hope is good.

Jeremiah 3:21-27

This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
²² Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
²⁴ “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“ Therefore I hope in Him!”
²⁵ The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
²⁶ It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the LORD.
²⁷ It is good for a man to bear
The yoke in his youth.

To hope in the Lord is good.
Hope in the Lord is not good because it brings about good or leads to good (though ultimately this is true) but because the hope itself is sufficient enough in any circumstance to bring contentment. Jeremiah was comforted by this hope because his hope was in the Lord. The Lord was his portion, all he had to hold onto; and it was enough... it was good. This hope in the Lord empowered him to focus on the character of God rather than his circumstances; to remember that the Lord's mercies are new every morning, His compassion does not fail and His faithfulness is truly great. These truths are the constant product of hope rather than the temporary good or relief we so often seek.

So where is my hope? Is my hope in my own ability? my own intelligence? even the promises of God rather than the Lord Himself? Am I waiting on a blessing, changes in my circumstances, justice or vengeance?... or am I waiting on the Lord alone? Hope is good. Hope in the Lord is sufficient. It is good that I should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Lord - teach me to wait on You alone. Strengthen my hope in You. Amen.