Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

I agree. When we set the bar of our hope in this world we find ourselves in the first part of this proverb which can drive us to despairing of faith and bring about bitterness and anger against the Lord. We are to endure hardship. That, as you noted, takes all sorts of forms. Unfortunately to much emphasis has been placed upon the pragmatic and measures of results. You have correctly identified the fact that the “fruit” of our labors are often hidden. Paul speaks widely to this admonishing us to circumcise the flesh by the Spirit. With Timothy he is precise in declaring that bodily exercise profits little, but Godliness in every way. We can enjoy then the second part of this proverb when we know the proper desire, seek first the Kingdom and his righeousness. That can only be founded in the promise of God that he will never forsake us nor leave us to see corruption, but promises to complete what he has begun. That is why it is a tree of life. Because the branches and fruit are supported by the root who is the Word. What he has planted in us to do, he will do. Love does not disappoint.

Be encouraged today!

David

Thanks for pointing that out, David.

Unfortunately to much emphasis has been placed upon the pragmatic and measures of results.

Yes, a whole ‘nother blog post there, no doubt. But you hit on the right thing here. When we look for ‘instant’ results, whether we’re listening or preaching ourselves, we’re falling into this pragmatic way of thinking –even if we despise the blatant pragmatism we see in the popular church.

Good thoughts