Scripture
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In this place, desolate and without men or animals, in all its towns there will be pastured for shepherds to rest their flocks.”

Observation
When many of the people of Israel were taken off to exile in Babylon the land seemed to be left desolate. Hope seemed impossible.

But God promises to restore the land. There will be pastures and farms and towns. Israel will again be a productive land, home to the people of the Lord.

The throne will be restored to David's line as the Lord promised centuries earlier and Judah will be a place of safety.

Application
Sometimes it is very hard to sustain hope or faith in the face of overwhelming opposition.

The evidence of our eyes is that desolation is all around and there is no hope of overcoming.

God is bigger than our biggest enemy or our more challenging situation. He overcame the biggest superpower of the days to restore His people to their land.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Prayer
You are a mighty God. Please help me to put my trust in you and enable me to see that whatever the challenges I face, you are greater still.