Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)

Have you ever experienced the pain of shattered dreams? When the actual situation does not match our expectations, it often results in heartache. It is normal for us to feel despondent when our hopes are dashed. The word hope refers to a desire that is good or supposed to be good. Hope also entails an expectation that the realization of one’s hope is real possibility. If there is no expectation of realization, then one usually does not hope for it.

We do not need to remain despondent when our hopes are not realized. What strategies can we use to deal with our shattered dreams? One way is to adjust our expectations – the one who expects little is not easily disappointed. Another approach is to realize that God is sovereign and unfulfilled desires can be a way to draw us closer to God. Shattered dreams can be a catalyst that draws us closer to God. It’s a true statement that, “You don’t realize God is all you need until God is all you have.”

Note the contrast in this proverb – “but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” The phrase tree of life occurs several times in the Bible and it is used metaphorically denoting a blessed life. When you align your desires with God’s plan for your life, then you realize the blessings of a fruitful tree of life. Keep your eyes on God’s faithfulness, Alexander Pope reminds us, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast, man never is, but always to be blest.”