Despair is an attitude that can control our minds and behavior especially as we come to that part of our lives defined by old age. The reason for despair is easily understood as the inevitable passing of time takes its toll on every aspect of one's life.

Nothing is as it once was. The most obvious is the changes that happen to us physically as we can no longer do what we once were able to do. Physical fatigue comes quickly and frustration can soon follow and repeated frustration can easily bring despair.

Some years ago I had this impressed on my mind as I visited with a lady in her mid-nineties (She lived to be 102). What she said that caught my attention, and has stayed in my memory, is that all her friends had died and she felt alone. I hadn't thought about that perspective before, but her point was obviously true and happens to anyone who lives so long. I must add that while she expressed that thought I noted no sense of despair in her words, but merely a wistfulness about the past and her long life.

When we are young we look forward to the passing of time and life's changes because it is a sign of growth and accomplishment. Each year our birthdays come and as we move through school, become involved in a career, marriage and family, those are all things we enjoy and come with great expectation. Oh sure, there are rough spots, challenges, mistakes made, but time is on our side giving us opportunity for repair and reaffirmation of a life to be properly lived. So, generally, when young, despair is not often a visitor that stays long in our lives.

As I have said, despair is an attitude that often makes its permanent residence in old age. We (I include myself) look at our present day world and then look back through our years and think today's world is a mess compared to the past. Yes, things are certainly different in so many ways, especially in values and morals. Yet I temper my thoughts by reminding myself that my grandparents said the same thing of their time and likely their grandparents said the same thing of their time, etc., etc. - you get the point!

I well remember when I discovered (more than merely reading it) the significance of Psalm 11. Its words are instructive in dealing with life's events, the world about us and developing the proper, godly way of dealing with the intrusion of despair into our lives. Note the Psalm's opening line: "In the Lord I put my trust." Think about it - it is fundamental. My "trust" is not to be in myself, others, things or events, but "in the Lord"! This must not be forgotten.

Too often our counsel to ourselves and from others about our world and life's difficulties is to "flee," seek an escape; fly like a bird to some mountain retreat. "For look" the wicked and wickedness is everywhere. They are winning the battle. There is no hope. Defeat is near, inevitable. There is nothing we can do. The Psalmist words it, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" There is only hopelessness, misery, desolation, gloom, depression and yes, despair!

But for the Psalmist the answer to that question is "not so!" The righteous can do something about it. The Psalm offers a clear, positive answer to worldly gloom and doom. It points out that nothing has changed as far as God is concerned - who He is, what He can do, who is in control? So, what else matters? Don't allow your mind and life to be misled...

Enough said! Get over it! Do not permit world or personal events, political or government decisions, fellow Christians, family, parents, children, friends to cause the hopelessness of despair to be a part of your thinking and behavior. You are a Christian with an eternal hope. Therefore, "In the Lord I put my trust."

- Focusing On Truth, July, 2014