Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-12
The LORD proclaims: When Babylon’s seventy years are up, I will come and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you.
Thought for the Day: Life is full of endings. Some of them are actually good, but many of them are difficult, painful and the source of great grief. We are approaching the end of the year, and though a few weeks back I did remind you that technically each day provides new opportunities, there is something symbolic about a new year. This coming Sunday will be New Year’s Day, something that does not occur but every 7 years. It will provide us an opportunity to enter the new year with our spirits focused upon God…something that I hope will continue for us all.
As I ponder these words from Jeremiah, I am mindful of a community that felt as if it was looking into an abyss. Though many were physically healthy, there was a feeling that life was over…nothing new was possible. According to Jeremiah God listens, especially to the heartfelt cries of those who feel stuck and hopeless. And though God doesn’t wave a magic wand and change things in a matter of seconds, God is at work attempting to make our endings into new beginnings. Most importantly, know that God is listening…and know that the One who is listening has made gracious promises to us that will shape history toward the plans of peace and hope.
Prayer: When my current circumstance presents an end, I turn to you, Mighty God. May the faith you provide through your love give me reason to see what simply is not currently visible to my eyes. Amen.
