Lent: A Journey to Hope in Uncertain Timesనమూనా

When the reality that the world is not as it should be hits us—and sometimes it hits us hard—it’s easy to grow weary. It’s normal to wonder how we could possibly make a difference. Our soul feels depleted, our bodies are tired, and our hearts are heavy. Individuals, families, and even whole nations can find themselves in such a place. The ancient nation of Israel did. After many warnings and calls to turn from their disastrous choices, Israel had sunk to the lowest of lows. Then, facing the reality of their situation for 39 chapters, the prophet Isaiah makes a seemingly abrupt turn toward hope in chapter 40. This is a surprising turn for some of us, but for Isaiah, hope in God’s strength was the only option.

REFLECT

• What words of encouragement from this passage stand out to you?

RESPOND

• Where do you need God’s hope to strengthen you? Take some time to journal or pray for that renewal from God amid your circumstances.