Impulses for the Way: 30 Days on the Camino De SantiagoSample

Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick

Pause and ask God to quiet your heart. Breathe deeply.

Today’s video talks about being in the flatlands—the times when things don’t happen the way we think they should. Times when we think God has forgotten us and we’re on our own, with no apparent protection from the elements and no end in sight. It’s enough to make our hearts sick.

God knows these times will happen to every one of us. This is why Paul the Apostle encourages the believers in Corinth with these words:

“He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV).

Slowly read that passage again, looking for a word or phrase that seems especially for you.What stood out? What is the Holy Spirit stirring in you? Discuss this in prayer with God.

Read the passage one more time.

Now ask the Holy Spirit: Give me new eyes of faith to see beyond what makes me feel fearful and alone. Imagine God walking beside you, even now.

Make Thomas Merton’s Pilgrim Prayer your own: “And I know You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.”