Hope for the Future

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

In some of the darkest days of Israel’s history, God was thinking about His people. “I have thoughts, plans, for you,” He told them through the prophet Jeremiah. They were about to endure 70 years of captivity in Babylon. And yet right there, in the dark days, the light of hope was already beginning to shine through.

God didn’t neglect His people. He didn’t leave them in the tough days. He was there in their calamity. That’s just like the God of Israel, our God, and He has promised not to leave us either. His presence is near, no matter the dark hour, offering confidence and peace that will see us through any hardship we face. And when we come out on the other side, we’re stronger, faith-filled. The pain we endure is never wasted. We gain strength and perseverance through the trials no matter how hard they may be. 

We can rest in that truth today, knowing that we’re not in control of all that happens in our lives, nor do we have to figure it all out. God does. He knows, understands, and is there through it all. We’re never alone, so keep pressing on. Because He loves you, cares for you, and is with you, there is peace — that passes all understanding, the Apostle Paul said.

OK, it’s time for a reality check. Have the problems you are facing caused you to lose hope? Take them to the Lord today. Release yourself from the need to make sense of it all right now. Ask for a renewed mind. Be fully persuaded that God will make it good again, to make your future hopeful. Better days ahead!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29.11