For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:24-25)
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick. This is a true saying. I have had hopes that dragged on without resolution, neither having nor losing. It is a sorry state to be in. When I have something I have the joy of possession. As Christians there are many things that we possess even now: forgiveness of past sins, power over sin and Satan, laws, wisdom and power to live harmoniously with those around us. But there are also things we do not yet have: Immortality, freedom from sorrow, freedom to learn and explore all things. But when Jesus returns in glory we will obtain these things. For this reason we have a hope in Jesus return, because until he returns these things will not be ours. Some wait more patiently than others, for whatever reason. Some expect this return to be very soon, many with this expectation have been bitterly disappointed in the past, their hope was deferred and their hearts made sick. But whether you are sick of waiting or patiently waiting, if you have legitimate hope in Jesus' second coming, when it comes it will be for you a tree of life. Literally and metaphorically.
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