Devotion

Optimism

At Wednesday worship we looked at the school value of "Optimism".  

When thinking about the future, we can be either optimistic or pessimistic - either hopeful or fearful.

In the Bible we hear about God's chose people - the people of Judah, who at one time were not optimistic about the future.  Everything that God had given them - everything that in the past were reasons to be optimistic - had been taken away from them.

God had given them their "Land" - the land of Judah

God had given them their "City" - the city of Jerusalem.

God had given them their "Houses" - where they lived.

God had given them their "Temple" - where they worshipped him.

God had given them their "King" - who ruled over them.

Because they had all these things, they had "Hope" that their future would be bright.

Then something terrible happened.  A foreign power - the kingdom of Babylon, led by their ruler, Nebuchadnezzar, invaded their country.

Nebuchadnezzar removed them from their land.

Nebuchadnezzar destroyed their city.

Nebuchadnezzar destroyed their homes.

Nebuchadnezzar destroyed their temple.

Nebuchadnezzar removed their king.

All that they had was taken away from them, and as a result they lost all hope.

God's people were not optimistic about the future, because everything that was dear to them had been taken away.  That's when God sent his servant, Jeremiah, to tell his people that He was still on their side, and that because they had Him, he would turn the seemingly hopeless situation into one where they could once again be optimistic about the future.  This promise that God made to his people in Babylon, is a true promise for all of us, too.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”  Jeremiah 29:11-14

Pastor Michael

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