JEHOVAH GIVES US HOPE

 From a human standpoint, the Jewish captives were in a hopeless situation. The Babylonian Word Power was known for refusing to release its captives. (Isaiah 14:17) However Jehovah provided his people with hope. He promised to set his people free, and nothing could stop him. (Isaiah 44:26; 55:12) In Jehovah's eyes, Babylon was like a film of dust. (Isaiah 40:15) With a puff of air, the dust is gone. What effect could hope have on the exiles? It would comfort them. But it could do more. Isaiah wrote: "Those hoping in Jehovah will regain power." (Read Isaiah 40:29-31.) Yes, hope would invigorate them; they would "soar on wings like eagles." 

Jehovah also gave the exiles reason to trust in his promises. How? Think about the prophecies that had already been fulfilled. They knew that Assyria had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and taken the people into exile. (Isaiah 8:4) They saw the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and take its inhabitants into exile. (Isaiah 39:5-7) They were alive when King Zedekiah was blinded and deported to Babylon. (Jeremiah 39:7; Ezekiel 12:12, 13) Everything that Jehovah had foretold came true.  (Isaiah 42:9; 46:10) How all of this must have strengthened their faith that Jehovah's promise of a liberation would also come true! 

What do we learn? When we feel low, hope can comfort us and help us to regain power We live in critical times and are facing some powerful enemies. Yet, we must not despair. Jehovah has given us a wonderful hope-everlasting life in true peace and security. We must keep that hope bright in our mind and heart. Otherwise, our hope could become dim like a view of a beautiful landscape that is blurred because we are looking through a dirty window. How can we "clean the window," keeping our hope bright? We can regularly make time to imagine how wonderful our life will be in the new world. We can read articles, watch videos, and listen to songs that discuss our hope. And we can talk to Jehovah in prayer about the promises we eagerly await to see fulfilled.

Next time: JEHOVAH GIVES US HOPE -Conclusion

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