Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. --Psalm 27:14

In the 17th century during the Thirty Years' War, German pastor Paul Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee from their home. As they stayed in a small village inn one night, afraid and homeless, his wife broke down and sobbed openly in despair.

To comfort her, Gerhardt reminded her of Scripture promises about God's provision. Then, going out to the garden to be alone, he too broke down and openly wept. He felt he had come to the darkest hour in his life. But soon afterward, Gerhardt felt his burden lift and a refreshing sense of the Lord's presence.

Taking a pen, he wrote a hymn that has brought comfort to many in despair:   

"Give to the winds thy fears; hope, and be undismayed;

          God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head.

          Through waves and clouds and storms He gently clears the way.

          Wait thou His time, so shall the night soon end in joyous day."

Oftentimes, our darkest hours are the times when God makes His presence known most clearly. He brings us to what feels like the lowest points in our lives and uses our sufferings, so that we will finally see that He is our only source of strength. When we see this displayed, as in the life of Pastor Gerhardt, we experience a refreshed hope in Jesus.

Are you going through a time of despair right now? "Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Give yourself completely over to Him, wait for His perfect timing, and you'll once again know the breath of fresh air you've been waiting for—His presence.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: During times of tribulation, pray that God would move in your soul, and show you His glory when it feels like darkness has filled your days. 

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