Despair is pretty simple. It is the absence of hope. Despair knows of no way to go on or, even any point in doing so. When events crush us, we realize we are totally out of control and without resources. Despair is one of the most debilitating emotions we can feel and it’s a very hard pit to dig out of, especially without help.

Yes, but there is help. God understands how we feel and allows (even encourages) us to express ourselves honestly. The Psalmist sings: “O my God, my soul is in despair within me” (Psalm 42:6) and then goes on to provide an antidote.

“Therefore I remember Thee from the land of the Jordan, and peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.” You may wonder: what kind of a solution is that? I’ll explain. The land of Jordan was the land promised by God to the Israelites who took possession of it after a forty year walk in the wilderness.

Jordan represents fulfillment and promises kept. Though the Israelites endured a season of great difficulty there was an end to it – a good end! Remember: an end will come to every hard season and God’s promises will always be fulfilled.

What about Mount Hermon and Mount Mizar? Those are the high places that lift us out of our circumstances so that we are above them instead of under them. Mount Hermon was snow capped year round and provided nourishment for the land below and water for the Jordan River. When you start to feel despair, look up. There is a mountain you can climb in the Lord which will supply your need.

Are you struggling with despair? Remember God’s promises and starting climbing. Embrace hope. It will not be in vain.