This week working at St George’s Crypt, in conversation a client told me he felt life was pretty much ended for him . As an addict he said his family didn’t believe he could change and didn’t want to see him again.
From previous conversations I knew this man was open to spiritual truth and so I assured him that everyone can change, and God wasn’t giving up on him and nor was I. I pointed out that he was already changing and there was no reason to think that what he hoped for his life couldn’t happen. I could sense this was an important conversation for him and he was listening intently.
Later on I found myself asking the question “Where should we go when life seems hope-less?” As I was searching for an answer, the words of a prayer I had learnt by rote at school and repeated many times in school assemblies dropped into my mind just as I has learnt them:
For the man in question I knew he had a bible and I wrote out for him Jeremiah 29 v 11 “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for good and not for evil – to bring about the future you hope for.” (GNT)
I am reminded of a story where a group of people trekking through a jungle realised that they were hopelessly lost. After many hours of wandering they came across a man who knew the terrain and asked him if he could show them the way. To their surprise he said to them to them – “I am the Way – follow me” and he led them safely to their destination. In the same way when we feel lost, Jesus says to us “I am the Way. ( John 14 v 6) and he will lead us safely home to the Father.
Lord help us be sensitive to the needs of others who are in despair. Help us by Your spirit to instill hope and trust in you. Thank You for Your Word and for the fact that You are the way, the truth and the life. Amen.
From previous conversations I knew this man was open to spiritual truth and so I assured him that everyone can change, and God wasn’t giving up on him and nor was I. I pointed out that he was already changing and there was no reason to think that what he hoped for his life couldn’t happen. I could sense this was an important conversation for him and he was listening intently.
Later on I found myself asking the question “Where should we go when life seems hope-less?” As I was searching for an answer, the words of a prayer I had learnt by rote at school and repeated many times in school assemblies dropped into my mind just as I has learnt them:
Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.I realised God was pointing me to the answer. David penned this Psalm when he was at one of the lowest points in his life. It tells us where to find hope – in the character of God revealed in His word. It tells us we can know that God is a God of forgiveness, mercy (undeserved favour) and “plenteous redemption”. “Plenteous” communicates to us the truth that there is a great abundance of something, but in saying that there is “plenteous redemption” points to an overflowing, inexhaustible supply of divine forgiveness through the sacrificial blood of Jesus the Son of God.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark our iniquities: O Lord, who shall stand?
But with Thee there is mercy and by reason of Thy law I have waited on Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even unto night: let Israel hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him is plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. [Psalm 130]
For the man in question I knew he had a bible and I wrote out for him Jeremiah 29 v 11 “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for good and not for evil – to bring about the future you hope for.” (GNT)
I am reminded of a story where a group of people trekking through a jungle realised that they were hopelessly lost. After many hours of wandering they came across a man who knew the terrain and asked him if he could show them the way. To their surprise he said to them to them – “I am the Way – follow me” and he led them safely to their destination. In the same way when we feel lost, Jesus says to us “I am the Way. ( John 14 v 6) and he will lead us safely home to the Father.
Lord help us be sensitive to the needs of others who are in despair. Help us by Your spirit to instill hope and trust in you. Thank You for Your Word and for the fact that You are the way, the truth and the life. Amen.