Despair

“I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13 AMP)

Many outdoor education centers offer an activity known as 'leap of faith'. Participants climb to the top of a ladder. With arms outstretched, they jump to grab a trapeze bar. All of this is done in broad daylight with safety harnesses and nets in place. In some circus acts, trapeze artists take this leap in the dark expecting to be caught by someone on another trapeze! I can’t imagine the level of trust that would be required for such an endeavor.  

Hope requires trust. Faith is trust during complete darkness. The opposite of hope is not hopelessness, but despair. It is like flinging oneself off a trapeze without the expectation of being caught by a Higher Power. Despair is the result of resignation without faith. 

The Psalmist says: “I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” His hope is anchored on the firm rock of God’s goodness, not the shifting sands of circumstances. Otherwise, he would have drifted into despair. He has detached from the trapeze bar of self-absorption. He confidently reaches out, expecting to be caught by the loving arms of God. 

“Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 AMP)