Despair

Let's play "hop around the Bible." In these passages you'll see people: Elijah, Martha and the Apostles, ask Jesus "Don't you care? Well, DO SOMETHING!"

Have you ever wondered what God was doing after a discouraging trial? Were you afraid? Were you angry at God for not helping you in the manner you wanted him to? Believe me, you have no right to complain. Read 1 Kings 19: 1-18. You'll see that Elijah, a prophet of God ran and hid to save his life. Wouldn't you think he'd show more trust in God?

Well, remember that when you're afraid.

Read Luke 10: 38-42. Have you ever asked Martha's question, "Lord, don't You care?" Jesus didn't answer Martha's question the way she expected, did He? Our lives are only a tiny picture of God's entire scheme of the world. Trust Him. He'll always answer your questions, it's just that sometimes the answer is "No."

Read Mark: 4: 35-41, where the Apostles ask the same question Martha did, "Don't You care?"

We're human. We get discouraged, frightened, and doubtful. When you do feel like that, read Psalm 102, "Prayer in Time of Distress." I've read it so many times that I've almost got it memorized!

The Lord, Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8

The thought that I find encouraging is when Jesus asked "My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?" God gave Jesus what He needed -- the people He loved the most, at the foot of His cross.