hope

The one who speaks truth finds himself walled in. Weighed down. Worn out.

No hope. Only the crooked path. And a deep pit. Face in the gravel.

Affliction. With no end in sight.

This. When he’s fearlessly made known God’s ways. And wept over the judgment of a disobedient people.

Jeremiah laments. 

Remember

Hemmed in. Homeless. Hopeless.

Terror and grief on every side.

But then, he remembers. And calls to mind what is true. 

“The steadfast love the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

Hope gently shines in the dark place.

He sees

Jeremiah reflects. 

This faithful, loving, merciful God is his inheritance. The Most High, his portion. 

The One who comes near. And says, “Do not be afraid.”

He sees. He knows. 

He is enough.

Declaration

Today in the chaos of Afghanistan, His followers boldly bear the name of Jesus. 

On official documents. Where such designation changes everything.

Declaration of identity in Christ. Instantly labeling them for destruction. 

Death.

Certain hope

And we pray.

For their safe refuge and rescue.

For clear remembrance of their Redeemer in the fog of fear. Holding on to certain hope. Steadied by the solid Rock. 

Our faith is built on nothing less.

Radiant

We pray for His radiance to illuminate their night. With assurance of Immanuel. God with them. 

He will never leave or forsake these so precious in His sight.

“I sought the Lord
and He answered me
and rescued me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are
radiant with joy;
their faces will never be ashamed.”
Psalm 34:4-5

What about you?

Which Scripture verse(s) is the Lord bringing to mind as you pray for believers in Afghanistan?

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