Turning From Despair to Joy
Praise as a First Response
At the same time, a serious drought hit Haiti, drying up well and land, and people were desperately searching for water. Hope in Haiti was being replaced with despair.
I had never felt like this in all my years of living in Haiti, and I heard myself saying, "I'm
so tired of this!"
One night, as I wept before the Lord, saying, "How can I help those I love and serve if my heart is troubled with doubt and fear?" Suddenly, flashing lights filled the room, and I saw the word DESPAIR on the wall.
Reaching for my Bible, I fell to my knees, saying, "Lord, don't let me fall ... don't let me fail ... I need to see you!" The room darkened, and the flashing letters of the word DESPAIR rearranged to form the word PRAISED!
God's voice seemed so clear, "Have you praised me? I am worthy to be praised."
I cried tears of praise and thanksgiving. God had shown himself faithful, even though I could not comprehend it all. God removed the despair as I praised him!
Whether we understand it or not, when we feel despair within ourselves, our marriages, our children, our families, our health, our work, our finances, our countries, or our world ... victory comes when we change despairing into praising our great God, who is worthy of all praise.
"Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and his greatness is so vast and profound that it is incomprehensible to man." -Psalm 145:3
By Valeene Hayes, Retired OMS Missionary to Haiti