“I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. “
Jeremiah 29:11, NCV
“So that for all future time he could show the very great riches of his grace by being kind to us in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:7
The word “future” is defined as “all that time which is to come hereafter.” It seems that it can never be held by us in a literal sense. In trying to explain it, I have come up with this idea or concept of something that will exist or happen in time to come.
People who struggle with a mental illness often have a problem with the idea of having a personal meaning. I remember reading this somewhere, “Depression is the inability to construct a future.” I think that many have issues with trying to make life work. It seems that hopefulness has been brutally cut out of our hearts, and we think and believe that we’re lost and cursed.
It seems to me that this is one of my own problems. Closely related are the twin issues of cruel despondency and a terrible despair. When these two run rampant through my life it is sort of a “spiritual mugging.” I’ve just been totally ripped off. I’ve been completely drained of hope. I don’t anticipate life and grace, instead I have profound pain and incredible loss. I feel terribly alone in an ugly void. My depression is all I can see. A relationship with an eternal God seems highly unlikely.
I believe that it isn’t so much me reaching out to Him— rather it is Him coming to me.
The promises God gives us are made to energize and propel us into life and meaning. The Father completely understands me, and has purposefully given me “a future and a hope.” I once worked out a plan to kill myself a couple years ago. It involved duct-taping heavy weights to my ankles and jumping off the dock in the harbor. I had reached the point of complete despair. Everything was without hope. And all I will say is that God prevented me and then gave me hope.
At times, our future is sometimes woven with predominently dark threads. If we just look at the back side it makes no sense at all. But God works patiently and expertly, as a skilled Artisan. We have His word that what He does will be a wonder and a marvel. And we will see an intricate and beautful work.
“Father forgive me for despairing. I know You control everything, and especially all that concerns me. Give me hope for my future.”
Related articles
- When Everything You’ve Hoped for is Lost – Lamentations 3:18-26 (dianneguthmuller.com)
- Losers Get Loved More Gently (brokenbelievers.com)
Broken Believers 
There is something profound in this that He is using to help me help a loved one. Thank you for allowing Him to work through you this way. You have given me a better understanding and clearer picture of how they are feeling. God bless you and hold you close to His heart.
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TY so much dear one.
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