by David Chadwick

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

Hope is a powerful weapon. It provides the motivation to keep persevering, keep moving forward, and keep believing. In fact, hope is so powerful that Proverbs says hope deferred makes the heart sick.

Have you ever hoped for something and had to wait upon the Lord? Have you desired something that took a long time to come to pass? What do you do when God's answer simply doesn't come in the period you have wanted to see it happen? What happens when you wait and wait and wait some more?

Many of us are all too familiar with this reality. So what do you do? Believe. Have faith. Trust that the delay has purpose. Know that delay does not equal God's denial.

Sometimes hope must be cultivated alongside patience and endurance. When a desire takes a long time to be fulfilled, it is important to be long-suffering while contending in hope. God may be doing something in you, in your eternal character, that he couldn't do without the waiting.

Do you know how to be long-suffering? If not, let me share a few tips that will help you cultivate the fruit of patience in your life. First, remain childlike. Jesus said to let the little children come to him because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them (Matthew 19:14). Children have pure hearts and believe that anything is possible.

Secondly, memorize verses like Isaiah 40:31, which says that our strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. Don't allow waiting to deter your faith and hope, but rather use the "wait room" much like a physical "weight room" to build your spiritual muscles of faith and hope.

Third, pray and fast. The Bible is clear that some breakthroughs only come through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). There must be a reason Jesus practiced this spiritual discipline himself and encouraged us to do the same.

After all of this, when the final victory comes, you will see how much you learned during your waiting period. You will praise God not just for the prize of the "desire fulfilled," but for all that you learned in the process.

by David Chadwick

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:33

God is in control of everything. Absolutely everything. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is outside of his control. Every single part of creation bows to his authority.

Proverbs says that even the drawing of straws is under the sovereign hand of God.

Biblically, the number 12 holds tremendous significance. It means spiritual perfection. In the Old Testament, there were 12 tribes. Then in the New Testament, Jesus had 12 disciples, or apostles.

In light of that, let me share a New Testament story with you where we see this proverb come to life. When Judas hung himself, the apostles began to look for his replacement. They decided they needed a 12th to be complete. As they waited for Pentecost, they thought this might be a reason for God's delay. So the disciples drew straws. And Matthias was selected to replace Judas.

The drawing of straws may seem like a strange way to decide the 12th apostle, but God oversaw it. His sovereign hand guided and directed this process exactly as he saw fit. Whether it's a political election, a historical event, a moment of victory, or a time of loss, we must always step back and remember with full confidence that God is in control. He is sovereign in both the practical and the spiritual.

God oversees all of creation, but for those of us who are called by him to serve him, he is not just overseeing our lives; he is working everything together for our good and for his glory (Romans 8:28). We can and should wholeheartedly trust him with every detail of our lives, every decision we may make, and every twist and turn along the way.

We may not draw straws anymore, but we are always making decisions about our lives and our futures. Through prayer, through wise counsel from others, through the Word of God, and through the power of his Holy Spirit, we must trust that he is guiding us and overseeing everything for our good and his glory.

by Marilynn Chadwick

"A devious person spreads quarrels. A gossip separates the closest of friends." Proverbs 16:28 GW

The Bible mentions the sin of gossip nearly a dozen times. Over half those instances occur in the book of Proverbs.

Previously, I shared how one of my wise young friends is intentional to speak well of her husband when talking to others. "I try to compliment my husband in front of others when he is present, but also when he is absent. In situations where it is tempting to criticize publicly, I try to say nothing and follow up on the conversation when we are at home in private. Then, I choose my words wisely—and above all, prayerfully."

The Bible cautions us about the seriousness of harming someone's reputation, warning us to "slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone" (Titus 3:2 NIV). The word translated "slander" is the Greek term blasphemeo. It comes from two words—blapto, which means "to injure," and pheme, or "speech." It can be translated as "to hurt another's reputation through slur or insult."

The Anglicized version, "blasphemy," is often used to describe the offense of speaking abusively against God. But it also addresses speaking against others. "For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly" (Mark 7:21-22).

Let's look at three more examples of Proverbs wisdom regarding gossip:

• "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much" (Proverbs 20:19)
• "Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down" (Proverbs 26:20).
• "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts" (Proverbs 26:22).

In the New Testament, Paul warns the church at Corinth: "I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish...that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder" (2 Corinthians 12:20).

It's sobering to see gossip and slander right up there with what we might consider "more serious" offenses. That should make us think twice when we are tempted to speak ill of another person—especially a fellow believer.

by Marilynn Chadwick

"A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel." Proverbs 15:18 TLV

Faith in Jesus is serious business. But God's Word also calls us to a type of "faith" in each other as members of the body of Christ. Scripture warns us that to "break faith" with one another can greatly impede our prayers.

Ancient Israel had broken faith with each other and then cried out to God, wondering why he was displeased with them. The prophet Malachi accuses them of covering God's altar with "tears, with weeping and with sighing, because he no longer looks at the offering or receives your gift with favor" (Malachi 2:13 CJB). "Don't we all have the same father?" he continues. "Didn't one God create us all? Then why do we break faith with each other, profaning the covenant of our ancestors?" (Malachi 2:10).

Next, Malachi addresses their marriages: "The Lord is witness between you and the wife of your youth that you have broken faith with her, though she is your companion, your wife by covenant" (Malachi 2:13, 14 CJB). Breaking faith is serious business in God's eyes. "I hate divorce," says the Lord God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NIV 1984).

Peter seizes upon this connection between marital harmony and answered prayer, exhorting believing husbands and wives to treat each other in a godly way as "heirs together of the gracious gift of life" (1 Peter 3:7 NIV). "Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives so that nothing will hinder your prayers" (1 Peter 3:7). Enkopt, translated "hinder," comes from the idea of cutting or striking. It conveys a strong interruption or stoppage. Marital strife can literally derail answered prayer.

Malachi gives us a practical prescription to protect both our marriages and our relationships with fellow believers: "So guard yourself in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth" (Malachi 2:15b NIV 1984).

And again, regarding fellow believers, he says, "So guard yourself and do not break faith" (v. 16b). The word translated "guard" means "to keep, preserve, protect; to keep watch." Let's be mindful and prayerful, therefore, to guard against strife in our marriages, our families, and our church family. I wonder if we'd keep a closer watch on ourselves if we truly believed that strife hinders prayer.

by Marilynn Chadwick

"Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established." Proverbs 4:25-26 CSB

The book of Proverbs is filled with tips on how to persevere as we pursue a dream or fight through a trial. James, sometimes called "The Proverbs of the New Testament," gives us similar encouragement: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life" (James 1:12 ESV).

But let's face it. Waiting is hard! "How do I hold onto my hopes and dreams when God seems silent?" This question came from a sincere follower of Christ. How do we handle those times when we have prayed and prayed, but the answer is so slow in coming? Perhaps we sense that a particular dream is God's plan for us. But the days, weeks, months, and even years go by. How do we keep our dream alive? How do we learn to wait well?

I think back to what I refer to as my season of "wait training." In our early years of marriage, David and I looked forward to the day we would have children. But nothing happened, month after month. Months became years, and by the end of the fourth year, waiting had become a way of life. I hovered between my dream of having a child and the dailiness of living life well in the moment. But I wanted my life to count, even while I waited.

I decided to get my master's degree in counseling and spent time working in vulnerable communities. I later worked at a Crisis Pregnancy Center with young women caught in problem pregnancies. An infertile woman trying to have a baby caring for women who didn't want to be pregnant? It was an odd assignment, but strangely healing. I used to remark that I was like a recovering alcoholic serving drinks at a bar—surrounded by that which I could not have.

During this time, a door was opened for David and me to go on a short-term missions trip. My first trip to Africa would be our first of many short-term missions experiences. Even after our children finally came, this lesson remained etched in my mind: When you are hurting, fight forward.

We eventually partnered with organizations delivering aid, education, and hope on six continents. Some say we should live to give. I discovered that I could give to live.

I would sometimes pray, "Lord, I'm entrusting my business into your hands. While you are caring for my business, I will put my hands to work on your business." Even today, fighting forward never fails to fill and heal my own soul as I give hope to someone else.

by Marilynn Chadwick

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV

"The Sayings of King Lemuel" is how some Bible translations refer to the famed 31st chapter of Proverbs. Scripture calls the words an "oracle" taught to the king by his mother. She begins by referring to her son as an answer to her prayer.

"Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!" (Proverbs 31:2b NIV). She goes on to teach him important life lessons about the kind of king he should be and dangers to avoid. We catch a glimpse into the heart of this mother who had prayed for her son and devoted him to the Lord. Let's look closer at the teachings that were foremost in her mind as she trained this son who would be king (Proverbs 31:1-9).

Like any good mother, she warned him about the dangers of immoral women and overindulgence in alcohol. But her cautions appear to have had more to do with his calling as king rather than mere morality.

For example, she warns him that loose women "ruin kings" and drinking can cause a king to forget laws and deprive the oppressed of their rights. She challenges her son to use his power to help the broken, "[speaking] up for those who cannot speak for themselves" and "[defending] the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:3, 5, 8-9).

Clearly the queen mother saw the potential dangers of royalty. She demonstrated her foremost concern that he would be a just and kind ruler to the poor.

If King Lemuel's mother prayed for this son before he was born and during his lifetime, surely, she also prayed for his wife. So, the description of the Proverbs 31 "woman of valor" (Proverbs 31:10-31) could easily reflect the heart's desire of a mother as she prays for her son's future wife. This makes her instructions about seeking a woman of valor all the more meaningful.

And isn't this the prayer for every mother of sons? That he would be kind and just, a voice for the voiceless, a defender of the weak. That he would find a godly and noble wife? I'd like to think these verses not only represent a mother's specific hopes for the kind of woman her son would marry, but also the kind of woman her own daughters would one day become.

We can learn a few tips from the Queen Mother in Proverbs 31 on how to pray for our sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters.

by Marilynn Chadwick

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25 NIV

I love surprises. It's fun to stumble upon an unanticipated blessing. A sudden bend in the road, a departure from routine, or a change of pace. My kids were well aware of my love for surprises. They used to tease me about "Mom's adventures" and my fascination with back roads and byways. "One day that woman is going to get herself killed," laughed my youngest to the other two, as I steered the car off the main road one day to explore yet another inviting rabbit trail.

Throughout many years of following Jesus, I am continually surprised to bump into what I like to call "God's odd economy." It is surprising to discover that we truly find our life when we give it away. Proverbs 11:25 promises that when we are generous to others, we will be refreshed. Here's the same verse paraphrased in The Living Bible.

"It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself."

Following Jesus is sure to surprise you. He asks us to serve but also to rest. "Come to me all you who labor and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest…" (Matthew 11:28). Instead of laying more pressure on our shoulders, Jesus promises us tasks well suited to the way he made us. Instead of bondage, we'll find freedom. This comes as a surprise to many religious people who have thought God calls us to live a life of exhaustion.

But just when we're beginning to like the idea of resting as one of his "sheep" and hanging out with some pretty good "sheep brothers and sisters," he jolts us with this challenge: You'll only find true rest for your soul when you are willing to lose this soul of yours… You'll only find real life when you are "willing to give your life away" (Matthew 16:25).

There it is again. God's odd economy. I like the way Isaiah 58:10 puts it: "If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."

It's like Jesus told us. We find life as we give it away.

I'll leave you with this question: Is there somewhere you can say "yes" to God right where you are today?

As mentioned in today's podcast, for more information on City of Hope click here. Join City of Hope for volunteer opportunities that allow you to participate in one-time events or short-term projects, serve alongside others while building community, and get to know and support your neighbors in need. No matter your schedule, you can make an impact.

by David Chadwick

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

God says there is wisdom in an abundance of counselors, but he also says there is safety. Without it, people are vulnerable to falling.

We live in such an isolated, self-sustaining society. In many ways, I think we have lost the need for one another. We don't live interdependently. It is becoming increasingly common to only look out for yourself. To make decisions without considering others. To live without the influence, insight, and perspective of other trustworthy believers.

Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:12 that in the end times "lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold." We can see this happening around us now. Where wisdom is lacking, lawless behavior rises up. I see a direct correlation between a love for guidance, wisdom, and insight, and preserving the love Jesus died for us to have within the bride of Christ.

There are many times in life when you just don't know what to do. A difficult decision. A troubling diagnosis. Confusing news. Bewildering interactions. Inevitably, in this broken world, someone or something will confront you that requires guidance. Yes, go to the Lord. Seek him above all else.

But then what? Go to a wise and godly friend. Find someone who has walked and lived life and who knows God's Word. And then another. And another. Go to as many wise friends as you can find. How many? As many as you need to. Seek all of their wisdom and counsel. If they are all being led by the same Holy Spirit, their collective wisdom should be similar.

With time, through an abundance of counselors, you will eventually find peace to move forward. Philippians 4:7 says that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The conglomerate wisdom of many will give you a good idea of what you should do. It will help reveal God's will for you in a particular situation. This brings peace and keeps love at the center of your heart.

by David Chadwick

"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth." Proverbs 5:18

"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." Proverbs 12:4

Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." The word "rejoice" means "to feel or show great joy or delight." There is a biblical command to both FEEL and SHOW joy in the Lord. The Gospel of Jesus prompts a response from us. There is a biblical command to not just declare our joy but to demonstrate the joy of our salvation!

Do you know where else God instructs us to rejoice? It is a command to husbands, and he says to rejoice in the wife of your youth. That is today's proverb.

A long-term marriage where two people have fought and contended for unity and closeness yields tremendous glory. Where they have shared life together over the years. Where they have together fought through and overcome multiple adversities. Where they have collective memories that are full of trials and triumphs. Where they still hold hands after decades of marriage. Where they have become one flesh!

I am so thankful for my wife, Marilynn. Her love and commitment have shown me so much about the love of Jesus. After all, that's the goal of marriage. It is a physical representation on this side of eternity of the love Jesus has for his bride, the church, and vice versa.

Proverbs 12:4 says that an excellent wife is the crown of her husband's life. I know this to be true as well! Marilynn is so excellent in how she loves and lives. I'm so honored to be married to her. She truly is a crown I wear in life. We know the joy of two becoming one.

My dear friends, if you are married, keep working on your marriage. It is hard work, and there will be trials, but remain committed. Make sure the back door of your marriage is locked from the outside. Share your lives with one another. Care for one another. Commit to walking through life's struggles together. Situation by situation, moment by moment, step by step, life will draw you closer and closer with Jesus at the center.

And your years together will be joyous!

by David Chadwick

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17

God loves the poor and needy. In fact, the majority of Jesus's life and ministry was spent with the least and the lost. He ran toward the sick, the hurting, the poor, and those in need. Those with no future nor hope. And encountered them with his love.

There are many verses throughout Scripture that reflect God's heart to defend, deliver, protect, and provide for the poor and disenfranchised. 1 Samuel 2:8 says that "he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor."

Psalm 12:5 says, "Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise," says the Lord; "I will place him in the safety for which he longs," and Psalm 69:33 says, "For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners."

Even the apostle Paul said that his passion was to preach the gospel but made sure to remind all believers that they should never forget the poor (Galatians 2:10). I believe those who love God will serve him by serving others, especially those in poverty.

This proverb reminds us again of God's heart for the poor. In fact, it says that giving to the poor is like lending to God. Today's proverb even says that God repays those who are generous to the poor! And I'm sure God's rate of return on our investment is greater than any bank's.

Do you remember how Mary and Joseph had to purchase two turtle doves to pay for their purification after Jesus's birth? This verse is an indicator that they were not very wealthy. Yet God sent wise men from far away who gave them expensive gifts they could use during their years in Egypt! He is the provider of all our needs.

And once you are saved by Jesus and have the gift of eternal life, may we all continue to have a heart for the poor, remembering that when we give to them, it's like loaning to God, and he will repay us with interest on our generosity to the poor.