Everyone is looking for hope. But where is it found? For some people, hope is found in the smile of a friend. For others, hope grows from financial security or a stable marriage. Where do you normally look for hope and courage?

 In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is writing to people who had lost hope in their exile. “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion” (Ps. 137:1, NIV). But even though they are heartbroken, Jeremiah lays out reasons they should not give up hope.

 What reasons for hope are given in Jeremiah 29:1-10?

 In this passage, there are three important sources of hope worth highlighting.

 First, God tells His people that they should not give up hope, because their situation is not the result of chance or unpredictable evil. For God Himself says, “I carried [Judah] into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon” (Jer. 29:4, NIV). Though evil seems to surround them, Judah has never left the center of God’s hands.
 Second, God tells His people that they should not give up hope, because He can work even within their present difficulties. “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jer. 29:7, NIV).
 Third, God tells His people that they should not give up hope, because He is going to bring an end to their exile at a specific time: “This is what the LORD says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place’ ” (Jer. 29:10, NIV).
 After God explains how He was in charge of their past, is in charge of their present, and will be in charge of their future, He then beautifully conveys His tender care for His people (see Jer. 29:11-14).