Living in Hope

Exiles in Babylon waited year after year, and nothing new happened. The new year was a repeat of the old. They are still in a foreign land as second-hand citizens, and the return to their homeland that the prophets promised has not yet happened. They are tired of waiting.

Some of us have shelved our prayers because they have gone unanswered for many years. We have learned to manage our faith without expecting much from the Lord. It is as usual. But the Lord does not want us to come to terms with disappointments but to live with hope.

The Lord told the exiles that he was ready to do something new, even before they were in the offing. He encouraged them to live in hope of the new things that were about to spring forth.

The psalmist who shares this faith in the Lord of new things exhorts: “Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvellous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Psa 98:1).

Welcome each day with renewed faith in the Lord, who makes everything new. This may be the day your prayers are answered, and the Lord opens new ways for you. He has never disappointed longing souls.

Do not settle for “as usual.” The God of new things is still at work—even in long seasons of waiting. Today could be the day your prayers break through. Sing a new song. Share this hope. Forward this to someone weary in faith, or post it to bless your circle. Let longing hearts be lifted.