Heavenly Father, in times of despair I need to draw closer to You. Help me to develop the attitude of the apostle Paul, who had to face such terribly difficult circumstances, and yet was able to say with confidence, “I am hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; I am perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”.
Instead of allowing myself to descend into hopeless despair, help me to remember that suffering in this world produces patience and perseverance, which developed into a godly character and spiritual maturity – so help me through the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow in grace and patience, to Your praise and glory.
I know that this life in many respects is a preparation for the next and Lord I want to finish the race set before me and carry out the plans and purposes You have for me - even though I know that there are likely to be trials and difficulties along the way.
Provide me I pray with the grace I need to press on for the high call of God in Christ Jesus.. and in Your strength, may I replace those times of unwanted despair with a season of hope and joy in the Lord – this I ask in Jesus name,
Amen