October 9

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. — Prov 13:12

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I shall believe the Hand which never fails
From seeming evil worketh good for me;
And though I weep because those sails are battered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered,
“I trust in Thee.”
— Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

Cease every joy to glimmer on my mind.
But leave, O leave the light of hope behind.
— Thomas Campbell.

Prayer

Loving Father, help me to pass by my discouragements of yesterday and look into the hope of to-day. Make me more careful of my strength, and less forgetful of thy promises and of my trust. Amen.