Charles Haddon Spurgeon, born 1834, was a very well-known and influential Baptist preacher; indeed, he was known as ‘the prince of preachers’. He was also a skilled writer and authored many books. He once wrote, ‘HOPE itself is like a star – not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity’. Many have found this statement to be true, when faced with situations where it appeared as if all hope had gone.

An Old Testament prophet, called Jeremiah, discovered this ‘star’, as many have done so since. As he sat in the midst of the rubble of Jerusalem, the city that he loved, the tears ran down his face as he also saw the Temple on fire and most of the inhabitants of the city being carried away into seventy years of captivity in Babylon. The whole scene was one of heartache and devastation for a people, who had largely abandoned God and disobeyed His Word. It would be hard not to see parallels with what we see around us today! Indeed, many have been quick to blame God for the current predicament facing mankind.

The word ‘HOPE’ would have been seldom heard in Jeremiah’s day; yet, the ‘star of HOPE’ shone in the streets of Jerusalem for those who listened for the voice of God: ‘For thus says the Lord . . . For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE AND A HOPE’, Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11. The same star shines and the same voice is heard in the world today for those who are prepared to look and listen. We need to say with the Psalmist: ‘Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? HOPE IN GOD, FOR I SHALL YET PRAISE HIM FOR THE HELP OF HIS COUNTENANCE’ Psalm 42 verse 5.

With Christ as our Hope and Saviour we can all face an uncertain future with quiet confidence.

We encourage to seek the Lord while He may be found. Read the Bible for yourself, we will gladly send you a copy.