Nougat 17

How do we find Hope in the middle of despair? May we find encouragement in today’s Holy Nougat

“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.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Living Hope: Hope we can count on

It was no longer pending.

Israel’s kingdom was done. Firstly, the kingdom divided geographically, then the Divided Kingdom produced a series of monarchs who were not naturally born leaders. Well, most of them anyways. And with each successive decline, the Exile may have been the next natural thing to happen.

The outpouring of discouragement, despair, and dismay was overwhelming. The exiled, the brightest and best felt like shepherdless sheep; who had been denied their identity. How could they sing the Lord’s song in that strange land? Names were changed; diets altered and religious values were under threat. They felt that God had forsaken them. It was Hopeless

But God said inhabit as if you are citizens of the place, and remember that God is still God. And God’s plan included a ‘cord of deliverance’, ie hope for the future. God’s track record was outstanding; God had proven time and again to be Refuge and Deliverance. So when God offered the cord of deliverance, albeit an invisible cord; they held on as if their life depended on it – because it did. And that cord kept them going.

Hope is that invisible cord of deliverance that we hold on to when the way is unclear and uncertain that helps us find our way. Our situation might not seem as dire as the exiles was then, it may be worse; but God’s plan for us also includes that invisible cord, packaged in the promises of Jesus’ return.

Just as God’s track record allowed the exiles to hold steadfastly to the invisible cord and find their song, we too can find our Hope in Jesus. He is the invisible cord to which we hold, as if our lives depend on Him; because we do. He is our Living Hope: Hope we can count on. Let’s hold to the invisible Cord of Deliverance.

(Listen especially to verse 2)

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May all we seek be found in Christ