Up to Something

Has there ever been a situation or a period of time in your life where, despite your best efforts and costly prayers, you end up disappointed or discouraged? This feels true of all of us. Disappointment is a human experience with which we can all empathize; a reality we cannot entirely escape.

If you have sat in that tension before, you are probably also familiar with how those seasons can feel claustrophobic and never-ending. While this may be the feeling of the moment, we come to find that they in fact do end, and that they will not be the end of us. It is helpful during those moments of unease to remind our souls what the word of God says about those seasons. The song “Up to Something” was written for the times when we need to remember what the God of hope says about our current situation.

Here are a few verses that are great reminders of who God is when we are enduring seasons of tension and disappointment:

1. Proverbs 13:12 - Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. This is a great tool for diagnosis. When we realize a cloud of heartsickness (we might call it “depression”) is hovering over us, it is important to ask the Lord what it is in us that has become detached from hope. Anything that isn’t firmly attached to the hope we find in Jesus is susceptible to a lie from the Accuser.
2. Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Another example of the power of hope. There is something so powerful about holding on to a truth about God’s character and choosing to believe in it instead of going by what is happening in front of us. He works all things for the good. If He does that, every problem has an answer. We may not know the answer, and it very well may seem impossible. But we do have an answer in Jesus, and nothing is impossible for Him.
3. Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. This one requires some explanation, but there is an invitation to truth here. Sometimes it can feel like the easy way out of disappointment is blaming something or someone. Many have a long history of blaming God for their hurt. For me, I’ll never forget when I read this scripture one day and suddenly the Lord connected all the dots. It is a powerful thing when a believer stands in opposition to what the enemy is saying, but the only way to exercise that authority is to know the truth. Every word from the mouth of God is true. Hiding His word in our hearts can help us run towards Jesus when we are hurt, not turn away from Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some areas where you can allow the God of hope to come in and breathe life where you are tired or hopeless?
2. Can you encourage yourself to sing out over your life this eternal truth? “Whatever you do, it's gonna be good!”