Hope and a Purpose

"I know the plans I have for you. Plans to do you good and not harm. To give you hope and a future." [Jeremiah 29:11]

We live in darkness and fear. My friend was haunted by the darkness of his own thoughts -- racing, taunting, out of control, then slow and black and self-destructive. No amount of ritualized prayer or Bible reading could save him. Not even his medication.

Then he heard about what his life has meant to others. As they've watched him get clean, beat his chains, leave the street, and finally have a home. Social workers without hope believe again. Family members settling for the lousy way things are again willing to take a stand. Friends tearing up as they wonder at this thing you have done. Yes, you have given him a purpose.

And you speak to him. "You are my son." "You will have more in the later days than in the days of your youth." "You cannot imagine the plans I have for your good." And he has hope. Though the gravity of that place where he used to live -- the one under the bridge -- seems so inevitable, so strong, hope is stronger.

Father, wrap us in your mission and hope. Sing to our hearts the song we long for. Only in the trajectory of following you will we escape the gravity of our fallenness.