The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah wrote at a time when hope was scarce, at least in the land of Israel. He is known as the wailing prophet since he predicted difficult times, even captivity in a foreign land, for the Jews, and was willing to bear the burdens of his fellow countrymen.
The sixth century BC was a tumultuous time for the people of Israel. The country had been divided into two separate kingdoms after the reign of King Solomon that ended in 931 BC. The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom in 722 BC and by Jeremiah's time the Babylonian army was at the gates of Jerusalem.
Yet, the Book of Jeremiah also includes some very comforting thoughts:
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).
Like the Jews in Jeremiah's days, we keep on hearing bad news. The antics of Iran and North Korea are a potential threat to world peace. Biblical morals are crumbling. There is no shortage of prophets both religious and secular who predict economic chaos and they might well be right. Reverend David Wilkerson has warned of food shortages and riots. Gerald Celente, for instance, has predicted a complete meltdown of the economy in the near future.
In spite of all this, God is in control. Although we might honestly say that we can't, He is the One who can take us through difficult times.
And He has promised to be with those who call on His name. As King David wrote in Psalm 23:
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Hard times are an opportunity for us to put our trust in the One who never fails those who rely on Him. His name is Jesus Christ. He is Immanuel, God with us'.
Amen to this, Joel! I will restrain myself and not write another article but this message bears witness to the hope and belief I have in our God. As I read the first few lines, my mind went to Jeremiah 29:11 and I am doing an in depth study of Psalm 23. So you see, you've pushed some buttons. I rejoice and am exceedingly glad you were obedient to the prompting of our Shepherd to share it with others. Thank you! Respond to this comment
Dear Joel, So glad to read this article by you. Jeremiah's hopeful verses came toward the end of the tumultuous times, but they came! God always comes through for His people! May your commitment to walk with the Lord continue to grow with your writing.
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