Five Minute Friday - Desperate

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One word. Five minutes to write about it. This is the idea behind Five Minute Friday and this is today's free-writing post.

desperate times call for desperate measures

things are getting desperate

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I'm not sure I really understand what it means or how it feels to be desperate. Perhaps relatively few of us do. We sometimes use the word lightly, saying we are desperate for a vacation or that things are getting desperate when really they are just inconvenient or uncomfortable. That's fine - it's just the way we talk, because we do the same with so many other words, and we KNOW there's a difference between craving a particular treat and the hopelessness and despair of famine and starvation.

desperate - reckless or dangerous because of despair, hopelessness, or urgency; having an urgent need or desire; leaving little or no hope, very serious or dangerous; extremely bad, intolerable, or shocking.

We've seen images of true desperation recently. People attempting to escape the chaos in Afghanistan or frantically searching for a missing loved one following a natural disaster are reckless because of the despair or urgency of their circumstances and fear. Right now there are many who are genuinely desperate in their urgent need to get themselves or their family out of danger. It's obvious to us as we see the news reports that the situations in Afghanistan, Haiti, and many other places are extremely dangerous and urgent.

Do we recognize the urgency of the situation we are all in? Here in our comfortable homes in wealthy and relatively safe nations, do we appreciate that time is running out and that Jesus is coming soon? Like the Laodiceans, we are wealthy and content; and don't take seriously the hopelessness of those that aren't ready for eternity. Perhaps worse, we do not see our own desperate need to repent of our complacency and turn whole-heartedly to God. 

You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. ~Revelation 3:17

I don't understand the desperation of not knowing if there will be a next meal, or if rescue workers will reach my family in time, or whether today is the day the enemy comes for me. But can I ignore the fact that others around the world suffer those experiences? Or the fact that many more live in relatively security but have no hope or purpose - they desperately need the Lord, and don't even know it. 

I don't know what to do, but I know that my prayers should be more urgent as I bring the desperate needs before the throne of grace.

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

~II Chronicles 10:12

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Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;

may your mercy come quickly to meet us,

for we are in desperate need.

Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name;

deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.

~Psalm 79:8-9

This post is linked at Five Minute Friday for the word prompt "Desperate".

This post will also be linked at Scripture and a Snapshot hosted by Just A Second.

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