Hope Is Renewed: a devotion on faith and hope

From an Africa Study Bible Application note:

After thirty-seven years of captivity, King Jehoiachin is honoured by the king of Babylon as he is given “a higher place than all the other exiled kings.” It is saying to the readers of this book, “God is not done with you! He has not abandoned you!”

Perhaps you have faced unimaginable suffering like the people of Israel. Have you been a refugee? Has your church been burned down in conflict? Has a member of your family been killed in ethnic violence? Like God’s defeated exiled people, where do you find hope? God did not speak through a great miracle, a mighty act of deliverance, or by the destruction of Babylon, but with simple and seemingly insignificant words, “So the Babylonian king gave him a regular food allowance as long as he lived.” What a phrase to end on—it is so normal. But there is God, providing everything, both honour and provision. If you have been through great hardship, find God in the simple words like this, in His gentle provision and loving care—and be encouraged. He is still there.

Today:

Reflect on an experience of hurt or shame from the past, and ask God to open your eyes to see how He may be restoring you. Begin to thank Him for the small ways that He has been faithful to give hope and provide for you in every situation.