Look you in the eyes and tell you...
Jeremiah continues receiving words from the Lord to deliver to His people even though Jerusalem was under siege. Families would lose loved ones, homes would be destroyed, and the city would be devastated. Yet, in the middle of judgment the Lord spoke a word of hope and restoration:
"I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.'" Jeremiah 33:8-9
Jeremiah again communicated the Lord's words. Imagine how difficult it must have been to believe while looking at everything around them. What an incredible encouragement, words fitly spoken in the middle of a dark time.
God was speaking of what He would do. Their present circumstances did not change His faithfulness. Yes, judgment, but it would not be the end of their story. The Lord promised cleansing, forgiveness, restoration, and a future beyond what they could presently see.
These promises were specifically spoken to Jerusalem, so we shouldn't simply take them out of context. But they reveal something true about the character of our God. He is merciful, forgives, and restores. It's the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.
Do you believe the Lord is good, even when what you see around you doesn't look good?
You may be walking through a difficult situation today. Following Jesus doesn't mean every situation will immediately become easier. But it does mean darkness doesn't get the final word. God remains faithful and worthy of our trust.
Sometimes you need someone to look you in the eyes and tell you:
God is still good. He has not changed. Trust Him, even here. Believe that, and walk in it.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.