“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…
“I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble…
“Hear the word of the Lord, you nations;
proclaim it in distant coastlands:
‘He who scattered Israel will gather them
and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
For the Lord will deliver Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—
the grain, the new wine and the olive oil,
the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,
and they will sorrow no more.
Then young women will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,”
declares the Lord.
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:3b,9b-14,25
The message of returning, rebuilding, and restoration for Israel was meant to give sure hope in facing impending exile. When they were not presently in the place of promise, they could live in the splendor of the certainty of it. As dark as their days may be, God’s word was as good as complete, and His redeemed had every reason to take joy in all that would surely come to pass.
“We rejoice in hope of the glory of God… and hope does not disappoint.” Romans 5:2,5
For the Christian, there is always substantial hope. Circumstances come and go, crush and release, press and resolve, but our future is set in stone. The very thought of abundance where we currently lack, water when we thirst in emotional drought, fruitfulness when we feel empty and dry, should ignite gladness. Hope that looks up and forward radiates holy light as it’s fixed on the One who fulfills His word. Languishing, mourning, and sorrow are vanquished in the certain promises of God!
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
Is Christ’s hope within so palpable in daily experience so that it oozes into every situation and through all we do and say? Meditating on and memorizing the Lord’s promises builds a storehouse of assurance that holds fast in darkness, doubt, and frailty. The greater our confidence in who the Lord is and all He will do, the brighter our radiance that burns with His light, the higher our expectation for glorious resolution. What are we doing to strengthen it?
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful.” Proverbs 15:13
What identifying attributes of our Savior do facial expression and body language express? How do those we encounter describe our countenance? Are we fretful, anxious, furrowed with consternation? Are we snipped and grouchy, complaining, ungrateful? Do we exude arrogance, aloofness, or apathy? Are we rigid, self-consumed? Since we were made in the image of God and are redeemed, how can we instead radiate warmth, contentment, and gladness? Might His Spirit soften hard features with joy for our salvation, gratitude for our ransom and the love that confers for others? (Numbers 6:25-26)
“Those who look to him are radiant.” Psalm 34:5
Lord, fill me with Your Spirit so I radiate delight, awe, and thankfulness for Your grace and lavish love.
As the rain and snow 