Hope germinates in the rocky, hard, and dry times. Hope is for these times. There is nothing earth shattering in these thoughts. But what matters is this: do I really believe it to be true? Hope is for my difficulties, times of uncertainty and discouragement. Because God is good, He gives hope — something to look towards, anticipate. God understands and knows we need it. I need hope. Hope’s purpose, its whole reason for existing, is for this in-between time, the time we are in — life itself.

Why “Hope?” In reading the book, Jeremiah, I was pressed to ask this very simple question, “Why does God give hope?” Jeremiah was given a very difficult calling. He was tasked with correcting and admonishing a very hard-hearted people who were stuck in lies, false hopes and detestable practices. It was a terrible time. Because they followed other “gods” (even sacrificing their own children) and refused to listen to God and follow His laws and commandments, something needed to be done. Jeremiah warned them repeatedly that unless they changed their ways and listened to God, they would be invaded and removed to a foreign land. They would live as exiles. God did remove them, so the land could be cleansed from their wickedness (even the land was impacted) and their hearts would return to the Lord God. Through Jeremiah, God tells them they will return back to their land in 70 years. Things will eventually get better — in the future.

What difference does this make that God speaks to them? It makes all the difference! In their time of incredible suffering God clearly tells them He will bring them back. Seventy years is God’s word to them. It is true (And He does bring them back). The Lord and Creator of the universe gives them hope. Their current circumstances will not last forever.

What to do in the meantime?

Seventy years is a long time, but it gave them something they could know for sure for their future. God then gives them instruction for the meantime. “I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). In this part of Jeremiah, God tells them to dwell in the new land, live life, multiply, and seek the good of the people and place in which they are exiled — this in-between place. 

It is also a period of time for them to return to their Lord God. God is good and wants their good, their future generation’s good, the land’s good, and even the good for the nations around them. This is who He is. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, and not for your harm, to give you a future and with hope … When you search for me, you will find me .. and I will restore your fortunes and gather you” (Jeremiah 29:11-14). These verses give a picture of what God is like. This is the truth He instills in them about Himself. I must remember this.

Why don’t I feel Hopeful? Hope is designed to grow when things are uncomfortable — when I can’t see clearly, hear His voice, or feel my way through, when I am ready to despair. Hope is like a sixth sense, for these times — more like faith. I can’t thrive without hope. This is God’s gift.

If this is true, why don’t I feel hopeful at times — even though I want to be hopeful? Real hope is not a wishful thought, just a good feeling, or a positive twist. The kind of hope I am talking about is rooted in something much stronger than my 5 senses or a positive outlook. The hope I need, gives endurance through the storms and perseverance in the uncomfortable. It is rooted in truth.  I guess I wonder, during this in-between what “truth” do I hear? What do I focus on? What do I feel? What do I think about? 

God allowed the people of Jeremiah to go through some pretty difficult times. But He also told them there was a future for them — a good future. “They shall come back from the land of the enemy; there is a hope for your future, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 31:16, 17). If they believed God, it would also impact the meantime. 

What is my “70 years?”

What can I know to be true for my future? Like I said, real hope is not a wishful thought, a good feeling or a positive twist. Just as God revealed Himself to them, He has revealed Himself to us through His Word, Jesus, creation, and in His people. God promises if I search for Him I will find Him. He is near. He is with me. God is good, the writers of the Bible tell us (and they experienced some pretty rough times). He desires my good and has good plans. God makes known to us a good future is coming. Revelations 21 says that there will be a time when all things will be made right and there will be no more suffering. One day God will bring all this chaos we experience to an end and restore all things. He will rule and be the wise King, Good Shepherd and Friend. And I will be there. This is my “70 years.” Though this is in the future, I also know I would rather experience the “in-between” with Him than without HIm. This is the fruit of hope: experiencing God with me.

God doesn’t usually give us a time-frame for suffering, times of drought, or for being uncomfortable. But I do know, if I am honest, this in-between time presses me to wrestle with who God is and what is He like. What do I really believe and where do I find truth. I must ask continually, “Is it found in what I can touch, see, hear or feel?” Yes those matter, but is my hope anchored in a more permanent reality? 

When I have God’s perspective, when I am rooted in His reality, there is hope. I can trust. Instead of assuming today is suppose to be comfortable, I have a more realistic view. Hope creates perseverance, which in turn solidifies hope. Hope is for perseverance. And perseverance brings about growth. And growth bears beautiful fruit.

Hope is the for the disillusioned and longers, the disappointed and heavy-hearted. The rest, reprieve, restoration, fulfillment I yearn for, is coming — in the future. Hope gives us a peek into this future, and plants its seeds for this in-between time. I can experience some of this future even now. 

But, the best is yet to come!