When you think of what you are, and despair; think also of what He is, and take heart.
This quote is a powerful reminder of the importance of perspective and faith in overcoming despair. When it says “think of what you are, and despair,” it refers to moments when one becomes overwhelmed by their own flaws, mistakes, or limitations. These are the times when we feel inadequate or hopeless because we’re focused on our weaknesses.
However, the second part of the quote encourages us to shift our focus from ourselves to something greater – which is referred to as ‘He’. In religious context ‘He’ would refer to God but in a broader sense, ‘He’ could symbolize any form of higher power or purpose that gives people hope and strength. The idea here is that by focusing on this entity’s greatness and benevolence, one can find encouragement despite personal shortcomings.
Applying this idea in today’s world or personal development involves shifting focus from self-criticism towards sources of empowerment. For instance, if someone feels overwhelmed by their workload at their job (thinking about what they are), they might find solace in thinking about why they do what they do – perhaps it’s for a cause they deeply believe in (thinking about what ‘He’ is).
In personal development terms, when faced with self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy (again thinking about what you are), instead of dwelling on these negative thoughts one could shift focus onto their potential for growth and learning (the conceptually larger entity). This doesn’t mean ignoring flaws but rather viewing them as areas for improvement rather than insurmountable obstacles.
Overall this quote speaks to maintaining hope amidst despair through shifting perspectives – moving away from self-defeating thoughts towards empowering ones rooted in faith or belief in something greater than oneself.
