Advent Journey

Can We Find Hope in Despair?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Thirteen years ago, my life was out of control. I was out of work (again), amid a personal mental health crisis, and coming to the realization that I was an alcoholic. Even though I was married and a father of two boys, I was losing the will to live. Lacking a faith and in a place of complete despair, I fell on my knees and cried out that, if there was a God, my life was His.

God revealed Himself to me in ways that were undeniable. A stranger approached me in an eyeglass store and invited me to a Bible study. I said “Yes.” It turned out that the Bible study was a gathering of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through other circumstances, I met a person who gave me a Daily Walk Bible. I read it in its entirety. How did these two strangers come into my life and why did they share the Bible with me? God placed them there and they knew that what I needed was His Living Word.

I sought out a church and knew I needed Bible-based teachings. God called me to St. Paul’s Bloor Street where I remain to this day.

When I think of Mary, I cannot imagine the fear and despair that she would have felt. An angel appeared to her and told her that she will bear a child who would be the Son of the Most High God. She is a teenager, pregnant, and out of wedlock. Only by her incredible faith in God could she press forward despite the scorn of others and her own shame. She put her trust in God and found hope. A hope that is rooted in God’s promise for those who choose to follow Him.

Ultimately it would be through the sacrifice of His son that we have the promise of a life eternal. And it all began because Mary was in despair and trusted that God had a plan. In fact, God has a plan for everyone who chooses to follow Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”

My journey to sobriety and faith began with despair followed by absolute surrender. As my desire for alcohol fell away, I had a thirst for the Word. I look upon my life challenges with extreme gratitude for 13 years of sobriety and a thriving mental health. My life is a testament to God’s transformative power. He redeemed my struggles and has used them to His glory. Since my recovery, I have been able to walk with many people struggling with mental health and addiction and share the Good News that there is hope in Jesus!

David Addison
Mental Health Advocate

Prayer:

Lord, there are times when I feel my life spirals out of control. Father, I fall on my knees and pray that you fill me with hope, peace, joy and love so that I may walk in your light and lead others to you.

Application:

Invite Christ into the most challenging situations of your life. Ponder on what the Word says. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that He knows the plans He has for you. How does the knowledge that He is in control change your thoughts, feelings and actions?