Ask any prayerful Cebuano about the most beautiful words in their dialect, and it is highly likely that he will include the word “puhon” in his list. Puhon, which translates to “hopefully, in God’s time” or “soon, God-willing,” is an expression of hope in our Heavenly Father, who does not withhold goodness from His children.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11
Likewise, this faith-filled expression is anchored in the Bible. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, it is said that everything happens in God’s perfect time.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
As we say “Puhon,” towards our deepest prayers and longings, we also express faith in God’s great plans for us. That in spite of our sinfulness, He reaches out to us and opens His heart to our repentance. And as He extends His mercy and graciousness to us, we get the chance to align our will with His, and reap the abundant life that He offers.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Also, let us take our cue from some Bible characters, who remained hopeful and faithful to God, as they anticipate to receive His promises. Hannah, who prayed so hard for a child, was given a baby boy who later grew up to become the Prophet Samuel
“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28
Ruth, who despite early widowhood, famine, long journey to her mother-in-law Naomi’s hometown, and the strenuous work that followed — in time had a new life with a good man named Boaz. They had a family and are now known in history to be the great grandparents of Israel’s greatest King, King David who is the forefather of our King of Kings, Jesus Christ.
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord,who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!” Ruth 4:13-14
But if we find ourselves losing hope already, that we no longer dare ask the Lord for what we used to fervently pray for, let us take heart and still believe that “Puhon,” the Lord will bless us.
The story of the Shunammite woman, who offered food and lodging to the Prophet Elisha without expecting anything in return should inspire us to remain faithful. Her story should convince us that we are not forgotten. That as we quietly live a life of worship, our Heavenly Father sees our love and devotion to Him, and is just waiting for the right time to respond to our prayers.
“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9
When we trust that the Lord has good plans for us, we can always say “Puhon” towards our deepest hopes that are in congruence with God’s will for our lives. Again, He never withholds good things to those who love Him.
“The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you given up on your deepest longings, or are you still confident to say “Puhon” towards your heart’s desires?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for having the best plans for us. Please give me the grace and confidence to hold on to your promises my Lord, and faithfully wait on you. For now, I will focus on living a life that is centered on loving and worshipping you. Amen.
