Good News for Bad Times

Tom Barnard

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting; known

everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and

wonderful things that you could never figure out on your own.’”

 (Jeremiah 33:3 The Message)

Jeremiah was locked up in jail when God spoke to him! This was no voluntary imprisonment. Where did he get pen and ink to write from prison? How could he concentrate on listening to God and write words of encouragement when bad things were happening around him? How was he able to protect his writings until he could get them to a safe place? I don’t know.

I know this. In spite of his surroundings, Jeremiah heard the Lord speak. He was able to shut out the sounds of prison to hear clearly the word of the Lord. And even more exciting is the fact that God had good news for him and for the people! Earlier in Chapter 32, Jeremiah wrote, “God’s Message came: ‘Stay alert! I am God, the God of everything living. Is there anything I can’t do?’”

My friend, I have no idea where you will be when you read these words. It may be at work; it may be at home. It may be at a time when you are “locked in” by your circumstances. Maybe this week has been one of the worst weeks of the year for you. No matter. When you are tied up doing things you didn’t create or want, God has good news for you. The answer to the question, “Is there anything that God can’t do?” is NO! Take God at his word. Claim a victory right now. Pray this prayer with me:

Heavenly Father, there are things going on in my life right now over which I have no control. Friends around me are suffering. There is tension at work. My family is going through trying times. I can hardly stand to listen to their concerns—I have too many of my own right now. But I know you are trying to reach out to me, even when I can’t feel you near me. So, I am doing what you invited me to do: I am crying out to you. You said you will answer. Please do it now. Calm my heart. Let me hear you speak. I am listening. Amen.