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How to Have Joy in Hard Times

Brant Hansen
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How to Have Joy in Hard Times

Once, there was a big boat. There were precisely 276 people on board, and precisely 275 of them were freaking out. They knew the boat was going down. The storm was way too much. 

They gave up hope entirely. “We’re totally going to drown!” they said. But then there was one guy who was totally calm. It wasn’t the captain, or some other veteran sailor who’d seen it all. No, all the salty professionals were freaking out too. 

So, you wonder: Was this calm guy an idiot? Couldn’t he see the obvious? To not be anxious in the middle of all that, you’d have to lack basic knowledge about how the world works, right? 

Turns out the guy—Paul, in the Bible—wasn’t an idiot. He didn’t lack knowledge. No, he was calm because he knew more than everyone else on board. He told them the ship would go down but everyone would survive and be just fine. And so it did, and so they were. (It’s in Acts 27–28). 

I tell you this story because in our culture now it’s kind of like we’re all in a big boat, and everyone’s freaking out. Anxiety and anger are so widespread that if you’re not anxious and angry, people will suspect it’s because you’re willfully ignorant of all the Big Issues. You just don’t know, or you don’t care, because if you did, you’d be just as scared and ticked off as they are. 

Finding Joy in an Angry World

I’ve noticed people will get angry if I’m not angry enough about the things they happen to be angry about. They think I don’t care. Or they think I’m naive at best. “Don’t you know about this crisis, and that injustice, and this other tragedy?” 

But then there it is, this joy thing, and I love how Dallas Willard defined it: Joy is “not a passing sensation of pleasure, but a pervasive sense of well-being.”1 No matter what happens, that sense of well-being is there. 

It might seem impossible or even crazy to live this way in a world of anger and anxiety. But I want you to know that it’s possible. And not only that, I want you to know that joy is quite reasonable, in light of reality properly understood. Jesus kept showing His followers that too. 

Yes, horrible things happen. Yes, there is great evil in the world. But joy—this sense of well-being—doesn’t come from knowing less. Joy comes from knowing more. 

Do You Believe What Jesus Believes?

I believe we lack joy not because we now know too much but because we know too little.  

Or we’ve forgotten what we knew. 

Think about it: Jesus basically said in John 16:33, “Yes, I know you will have problems. I know. But here’s some additional information that might interest you—something I know but you don’t . . .” 

And then He told us to be of good cheer. 

God is quite aware of all the suffering and injustice, thank you; but if we believe what Jesus believes, we’ll have a sense of well-being no matter what. 

Yes, pain is real. Suffering is real. But in Jesus’ worldview, despair is not the deepest reality. We know it is a fleeting thing. It’s joy that underpins everything. It’s the deepest note that rings through our lives, even in tragedy. 

We’ll hurt, we’ll cry, we’ll go through tremendous loss. We might be deeply unhappy. And yet . . . His peace persists. 

So yes, there is a “second naivete,” a second simplicity. It’s an innocence and a beautiful, peaceful life we can live in light of what we can know. 

Like, say, how this all ends. 

Cover of "Life is Hard, God is Good, Let's Dance"

Adapted from Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance by Brant Hansen.

In a modern culture filled with anxiety, depression, and societal clashes, it is not only possible to have a fulfilling, joyful life, but it’s promised to all who follow Jesus. Life is hard, but God is good. And through Him we can start to see the world in a more childlike, humble, and optimistic way. 

Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.  

  1. Dallas Willard, The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2016), 31. ↩︎

What if Deconstructing Christians Want More Jesus — not Less?

Scot McKnight and Tommy Preson Phillips
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What if Deconstructing Christians Want More Jesus — not Less?

In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of Christians who are “deconstructing” their faith, critically analyzing Christianity and finding that it falls short. Many end up leaving behind the beliefs and commitments they formerly held.

But in spite of what you may have heard, an overwhelming number of those who deconstruct their faith — as many as 86%, according to a 2022 HarperCollins study — don’t walk away from the faith altogether, but instead find another form of the Christian faith that fits them better.

So what is it that deconstructors are searching for — and not finding — in their home churches? The answer, as it turns out, is faith.

Following Jesus Out of the Church

We’ve been listening to deconstructors for more than a decade, and one consistent message we have heard is just how important Jesus is to them. Many will flat out say Jesus is their Lord, even if they think it’s cringey to parrot what institutional Christians say.

I (Scot) taught college students for seventeen years, and many were among the finest Christians I have ever met. Some of them confessed they no longer went to church, but they were always quick to add, “Not because I’m not a Christian. Not because I don’t follow Jesus.” In fact, more than one person said, “Because I follow Jesus, I don’t go to church.” 

What we learned from them in their deconstruction and reconstruction phases of faith was that they believed their church attendance kept them from following Jesus.

So what did they do instead?

They served the homeless. They spoke out against injustice. They prayed and read the Prophets and the Gospels. They met with a few other followers of Jesus.

They did these things because they followed Jesus. The churches they knew were filled with church attenders and admirers of Jesus, but not real Jesus followers. And whether they were right or wrong, they thought they could discern the difference. They told me they wanted a Jesus-first religion, not a church-first religion. So they chose to follow Jesus and left the church. 

What Happens When Jesus Goes Invisible

A Jesus-first way of life was all the first followers of Jesus knew. They knew no other way.

The Gospel of John informed its readers that Jesus performed an astounding miracle by turning “five small barley loaves and two small fish” into food for five thousand men (John 6:9). Since the women and children were not counted, we can assume that some ten to fifteen thousand people were there.

If you think there is some serious exaggeration at work in this account, you would not be alone. What is not an exaggeration is the reality that Jesus is someone who does astounding things.

And the incidents that came next were no less astounding. After feeding all those people, after collecting the leftovers that were more than the original loaves and fishes, and after pushing his disciples out onto the Sea of Galilee to get away from it all — after all this, a storm broke out, and the disciples were scared witless and rowed like madmen to outrun the storm. 

Four miles out from shore, Jesus showed up. Barefoot surfing without a board or a sail. They saw him, and they were scared. And then Jesus spoke to them. Many translations render his words as, “It is I,” but the Common English Bible gets it exactly right: “I Am” (John 6:20, CEB). 

Do you know what “I Am” evoked in Jesus’ world? It’s the divine name — I am who I am — found in the book of Exodus (3:14). When Moses wanted to know God’s name so he could go back and tell all the Israelites about a crazy plan to liberate them from Egypt, he asked God, “Who do I tell them sent me?” And God replied, “I Am Who I Am. So say to the Israelites, ‘I Am has sent me to you.’” 

Everything about the Christian faith depends on Jesus being the I Am. What it means is this: 

Jesus reveals God. 

Jesus is God. 

The God of Christians looks like, or ought to look like, Jesus. 

When Jesus goes invisible, God does too.

We Need to Listen to Deconstructors

This is where many deconstructors start. Knowing Jesus is God forms the foundation for their deconstruction.

Why?

Because deconstructors are not playing games. They are pleading with the church to remember who their God really is. To remember that God is Jesus and Jesus is God. 

This is why we need to listen to deconstructors. If Jesus is to be the center of our churches, and people are leaving because it’s not a reality, then maybe they’re saying something we need to hear. Can we really blame them for wanting a place where Jesus can be found? 

A Jesus-First Way of Life

Christians today may not think much of a man saying, “I Am.” But first-century listeners would not have skipped by those words. They may have said, “What in the world?” while wondering to themselves, Who does this guy think he is? The problem we face today is that far too many believers skip past the audacious and amazing claims and teachings of Jesus. Christianity has become a religion with an institution (church) and a national culture.

If we are willing to listen, the deconstructionists of today are saying, “I want this Jesus. I want him to be front and center. I don’t want religion. I don’t want an institution. I want a community centered on listening to Jesus and living like him during the week.” When they read of Jesus’ claim to be the I Am, they mutter, That’s what I’m talkin’ about! In their deconstructing, they are not motivated to leave the church; they are looking for a community built around a reconstructed faith that exalts Jesus as Lord of all. 

If church leaders are willing to listen, this is what the deconstructor’s exit interview will reveal. They want a Jesus-first way of life. 

Cover of Invisible Jesus by Scot McKnight and Tommy Preson Phillips

Adapted from Invisible Jesus: A Book about Leaving the Church and Looking for Christ by Scot McKnight and Tommy Preson Phillips.

Filled with stories of those who have walked the path of deconstruction without losing their faith, Invisible Jesus is a prophetic call to examine ourselves and discern if the faith we practice and the church we belong to is really representative of the Jesus we follow. Each chapter looks at a different topic and offers biblical reflections that call for us to not only better listen, but to change how we live out our faith as followers of Jesus today.

Invisible Jesus is published by Zondervan, the parent company of Bible Gateway.

November 2024 Bible News

Bible Gateway
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November 2024 Bible News

Your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of November 2024 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.

Week of November 24

  • November 30 — Back in 2022, medieval frescoes were discovered hiding under plaster during routine maintenance in the Slovakian Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria. After extensive restoration, led by conservation expert Rudolf Boroš, the frescoes have revealed intricate scenes such as the crucifixion and symbols of the four evangelists. The efforts also uncovered architectural features like a Gothic window arch. (Aleteia)
  • November 29 — Eight of India’s 28 states have passed laws banning religious conversion. Allegedly intended to protect lower-caste Hindus from forced conversion, in practice these laws are used by Hindu nationalists to restrict religious freedom and generate violence against Christians and other minority faiths, who are seen as a threat to the social order. Even when acquitted, the accused face financial and social ruin. (RNS)
  • November 28 — Archaeologists have discovered evidence of an ancient Israelite palace at a site in Jordan, believed to be Mahanaim, a significant biblical site mentioned 14 times in the Old Testament. Located near the Zarka River, the dig revealed massive sandstone blocks decorated with carvings of lions and banquets and dating to the eighth century BC, aligning with the Kingdom of Israel’s peak. (Israel 365 News)
  • November 26 — A study by Barna and Gloo found that Americans are least interested in hearing ministers discuss politics, a topic pastors also feel ill-equipped to handle. The study, part of the “State of the Church 2025” initiative, highlights six post-COVID church leadership trends. These also include high trust in church leadership, but also high pastor burnout (especially among younger pastors), and a “cracking leadership pipeline.” (Baptist Press)
  • November 26 — American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is an often overlooked ministry in churches. Despite an estimated 11 million Deaf or hard of hearing Americans, or about 3.6% of the population, few churches provide ASL interpretation. (For example, only 30 are included in the Deaf Bible Society’s Maryland database of over 5,000 churches.) Ministries like Holy Hands are aiming to change that with trainings and support. (RNS)
  • November 26 — Scholar and writer Karen Swallow Prior responded to a concerning trend: elite college students struggling to read entire books. The issue goes beyond education, she says, also affecting religious practices such as Bible engagement. The church played a key role in promoting literacy in the wake of the Protestant Reformation. Today, it can again lead by encouraging deep reading through book and Bible Studies. (RNS)
  • November 25 — Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a “slight health incident” while preaching at his Dallas megachurch this weekend. The Potter’s House of Dallas attributed the incident to overheating and stated that Jakes is stable and under medical care. His daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, later reassured the congregation that Jakes is recovering well and thanked everyone for their prayers. (RNS)
  • November 25 — Christmas is right around the corner, but looking ahead to Easter, there are two new releases to add to your viewing calendar. The Chosen Season 5: The Last Supper will premiere in theaters March 27, 2025 and make its way to streaming later in the year. For the younger crowd, The King of Kings, a star-studded animated film based on Charles Dickens’ short story “The Life of Our Lord,” premieres April 11. (RELEVANT)
  • November 25 — As Christmas approaches, Christian charities are urging believers to remember the Holy Land and its residents during the holiday season by drawing parallels between the story of Mary and Joseph and the struggles faced by Bethlehem residents today. As children around the world celebrate with presents and feasts, they say, families in the Holy Land worry where they will sleep safely and find their next meal. (Christian Today)
  • November 25 — Archaeologists at Tel Shimron in Israel’s Jezreel Valley uncovered a unique Bronze Age megastructure. Dating to ca. 3800 BC, the structure — probably a monument once visible from afar — includes a large room, or favissa, containing 40,000 animal bones (likely from sacrificial rituals), 57,000 pottery fragments, and two bronze bull figurines. Other finds nearby suggest a vast, interconnected religious complex. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
  • November 24 — Faith is sometimes overlooked as a resource for the homeless, but the Lamb Center in Virginia has made a name for itself hosting a Bible Study for 33 years alongside services like meals, showers, and job assistance. The center promotes community and resilience for participants, including those struggling with addiction and mental illness, who express increased faith and gratitude for being treated as a “whole person.” (New York Times [paywalled])

Week of November 17

  • November 22 — Wrestling with your faith? You’re not alone: A church in England is hoping to boost attendance by hosting monthly wrestling matches combining WWE-style moves with sermons — the latest in a strange yet unmistakable trend that also includes a recent film about Jesus training a Viking explorer in mixed martial arts to a heavy metal soundtrack, and last summer’s obsession with images of “hot AI Jesus.” (RELEVANT and Christianity Today)
  • November 21 — Pay no attention to the man behind the temple curtain: In a move sure to generate controversy, one of the oldest chapels in Lucerne, Switzerland replaced its confessional with an AI-powered Jesus capable of real-time dialogue in 100 languages. “We’re probably pioneers in this,” consulting theologian Marco Schmid said mildly. Feedback on the “experiment” has been mixed, with full results to be released next week (stay tuned). (The Guardian)
  • November 20 — Former billionaire and Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang was sentenced to 18 years in prison for Wall Street fraud resulting in $10 billion in losses. On balance, the court found the severity of Hwang’s crimes ultimately outweighed his philanthropic efforts through the Grace & Mercy Foundation. Citing Psalm 82, the judge emphasized the need for accountability in rendering judgment. Hwang plans to appeal. (Christianity Today)
  • November 20 — Biblical scholar Elizabeth Schrader Polczer identified places in the earliest manuscripts of John’s gospel where it appears Lazarus only had one sister, Mary: “There was a certain sick man, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and of Mary his sister.” These texts were later corrected to add in Martha by changing a single letter in the second Mary’s name (Mar[i]a to Mar[th]a), and changing verbs from singular to plural. (Biblical Archaeology Review)
  • November 20 — Churches around the world are being lit up for Red Wednesday, an annual event organized by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in commemoration of persecuted Christians, especially children. The initiative includes over 300 global events, with significant participation in Europe. The event coincides with ACN’s report “Persecuted and Forgotten?” highlighting worsening persecution, such as in Nicaragua. (Christian Today and Aleteia)
  • November 19 — Tony Campolo, a leader of the “red letter Christian” movement that emphasized Jesus’s spoken teachings in the Bible, died at the age of 89. Over the course of his 50+ year career, Campolo published dozens of books, often courting controversy for speaking out against hypocrisy in the church. Yet he stridently urged Christians to remain in church, even if they were disappointed in its evangelical witness. (Christianity Today)
  • November 19 — Survivors of clergy sexual abuse are urging the Vatican to extend the U.S. Catholic Church’s “one strike and you’re out” policy, adopted in 2002, to the global church, arguing it would better protect children worldwide. The policy mandates permanent removal from ministry for priests guilty of a single act of sexual abuse. Despite Pope Francis’s calls for zero tolerance, survivors claim little action has been taken. (AP)
  • November 18 — Texas education officials are set to vote on a new curriculum, “Bluebonnet learning,” which incorporates Bible readings into K-5 English and language arts classes. Proponents argue it provides context for works like da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” while critics object that it violates First Amendment separation of church and state. If approved, it could be implemented by August 2025. (The Guardian)

Week of November 10

  • November 16 — Physicists and archaeologists are teaming up to dig into Jerusalem’s underground history using a non-invasive new technology. Muography uses muons (subatomic particles) to create images of subterranean spaces by passing through solid rock, allowing researchers to map areas like the Temple Mount without disruptive, destructive digging. Despite challenges such as high costs, it could lead to significant discoveries. (Christianity Today)
  • November 15 — The American Bible Society’s latest report shows that engaging with the Bible, practicing forgiveness, and attending church can reduce loneliness, which is known to have a severe health impact, by over 50%. While 75% of Americans report moderate to high loneliness, only 11% of Scripture-engaged individuals do. Older adults and higher earners are also less likely to experience loneliness. (Baptist Press, from State of the Bible)
  • November 15 — Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese premiered his new faith-based docudrama series, The Saints, streaming on Fox Nation. The series — which will run for four episodes leading up to Christmas and another four ahead of Easter — will explore the lives of eight historical Christian saints, including Joan of Arc, Maximilian Kolbe, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, and more. Reviews so far have been mostly positive. (RELEVANT and Christianity Today)
  • November 13 — A roughly 1,500-year-old stone tablet with the oldest known inscription of the Ten Commandments is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s New York for an expected $1–2 million. Discovered in 1913 in Israel, it was used as a paving stone until its significance was recognized in 1943. The tablet contains nine of the Ten Commandments, with a unique Samaritan inscription replacing the other one. (New York Post)
  • November 13 — A survey of over 1,000 U.S. Christians conducted by ACS Technologies, a ministry solutions partner, suggests that “warm and friendly encounters” are one of the best ways to retain faithful churchgoers. These include being greeted at the door, offered a seat, and heard all visitors welcomed by a leader. They report also highlighted the Christmas season as an ideal opportunity to begin or reinforce these practices. (Aleteia)
  • November 13 — Nearly 10% of Christian ministry leaders reported a revenue decline of over 10% in the past year, the highest since MinistryWatch began its survey in October 2022. Despite this, over 60% saw revenue growth, and 74% expect growth in the next year. Close behind fundraising, staffing remains the second major challenge, with succession planning also a concern due to aging leadership. (Religion Unplugged, from MinistryWatch)
  • November 12 — Netflix released a trailer for their new Biblically based film Mary, based on the life of (you guessed it) Mary, the mother of Jesus. Coming to streaming December 6, the film covers the Nativity and its aftermath, as Mary, Joseph, and their baby flee from Herod (played by Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins). The producers consulted scholars and religious leaders to capture the details accurately. (RELEVANT)
  • November 12 — A U.S. Federal judge blocked the enforcement of a new law in Louisiana requiring all public school classrooms to feature a poster of the Ten Commandments. Calling the law “unconstitutional on its face,” the judge said the law violates First Amendment religious freedom. (Proponents argue for the historical importance of the commandments to the American justice system.) The state is expected to appeal the ruling. (AP)
  • November 12 — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced that he will resign from his appointment as leader of the Church of England. Welby has received calls to resign from both liberals and conservatives for his failure to report and pursue John Smyth, a heinous serial abuser of young boys for five decades. Church of England officials will now gather to identify, vote on, and approve a replacement. (The Guardian)
  • November 11 — More developments from St. Peter’s: the Vatican and Microsoft partnered to develop a detailed “digital twin” of the basilica using AI technology. AI-powered drones took over 400,000 pictures in and outside the structure for three weeks, which AI processors then used to faithfully reconstruct every inch. The online exhibition will allow students to discover the incredible, unique architecture from their classrooms. (RNS)

Week of November 3

  • November 9 — In Dublin, Ireland, 12,000 Christians participated in the inaugural “March for Jesus,” with support from both Irish and Northern Irish churches. The event celebrated Ireland’s Christian heritage, dating back to St. Patrick. Participants sang, prayed, and proclaimed Jesus’ significance. Leaders prayed for Ireland’s spiritual renewal and social alignment with biblical values. (Christian Today)
  • November 8 — The Vatican has opened a new visitors’ center near St. Peter’s Basilica to accommodate the anticipated influx of pilgrims during the 2025 Year of Jubilee. This center will assist and engage visitors — especially students — with multilingual staff, ticket sales, planning assistance, learning programs, and disability accommodations. Proceeds from the gift shop will support projects with the Be Human Foundation. (Aleteia)
  • November 7 — Is Christianity struggling or flourishing? According to Lausanne’s massive State of the Great Commission report, “your answer probably depends on where you live.” Highlights from the report include looking at the average representative Christian today; the fact that the Christian percentage of the world’s population hasn’t grown since 1900; the primacy of discipleship in evangelism; and more. (Christianity Today, from the Lausanne Movement)
  • November 6 — Archaeologists uncovered a 1,600-year-old church in Egypt, revealing surprising human remains. Dating to the mid-300s AD, the church features the oldest known funerary crypts in Egypt. It contains 17 burials, including women and children — unusual for the patriarchal Roman society. Despite severe erosion, parts of the decorated ceiling were also preserved, offering insights into early church décor. (Newsweek)
  • November 5 — Mounting evidence suggests Gen Z may be reversing the past few generations’ trend away from religion. Though many continue to identify as “nones,” it may be that they are engaging with faith in less measurable ways — online, just as they tend to do with shopping, relationships, and other habits. To engage them, “we need to offer them a compelling alternative: a loving, embodied, imperfect community.” (Christianity Today)
  • November 5 — Did the Exodus really happen? A look at Papyrus Brooklyn 35.1446, a scrap of parchment from ca. 1600s BC Egypt, reveals 30 Semite slaves with names like Jacob, Eve, and Hebrew. There are also two ca. 1400 BC inscriptions referring to “nomads of Yahweh” at an Egyptian temple, among other evidence that together offers strong archaeological support for the veracity of the Biblical account. (The Gospel Coalition)
  • November 4 — Shadrach Lukwago, founder of Kiwoko Bible Institute in Uganda and son of one of the Christians killed by dictator Idi Amin, highlighted the need for books and Bibles at African schools. Over the past 15 years, Kiwoko has trained over 500 leaders, and now hopes to expand its reach across Uganda and to refugees from South Sudan. He asks for prayers and support to accomplish that mission. (Christian Today)
  • November 3 — The history of Halloween and remembering the Reformation; recovering ancient homes, reconstituting beautiful churches, transforming churches into homes; cute anime mascots and elephants invited to the feast of the Assumption. The Catholic church is growing, the Anglican church is shrinking, and religious “nones” have plateaued. Read the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of October.

View news archives here.

Look at the Book: Lamentations [Infographic]

Chris Fann
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Look at the Book: Lamentations [Infographic]

“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Traditionally ascribed to the prophet Jeremiah, the book of Lamentations is a short but complex, poetical meditation on grief and mourning.

Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.

Summary

Jerusalem has been destroyed, but the people have also been exiled from the homeland God had given them. Although God ordained their punishment, notice the hope, love, faithfulness, and salvation he continues to offer. 

  • Category: Prophets
  • Theme: Sorrow
  • Timeline: Around the fall of Judah, 586 BC
  • Written: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah

Key Verse

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

A Prophet’s Personal Pain

Lamentations is composed of five lament poems:

  • Siege of Jerusalem
  • Destruction of Jerusalem
  • Proclaiming God’s faithfulness in judgment
  • Devastation of Jerusalem
  • Fall of Jerusalem

Jeremiah’s lament derived from his personal sorrow at the fate of those he dearly loved. He agonized over the people’s unwillingness to turn from their sin when confronted.

7 Day Reading Guide

(See 30-day guide below.)

Jeremiah’s Anguish

Lamentations relates closely to the book of Jeremiah, describing the anguish over Jerusalem receiving God’s judgment for unrepented sins.

Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference. 

Infographic depicting major themes and content from the book of Lamentations

Jeremiah’s Lament and the Words on Which We Rest

Russ Ramsey
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Jeremiah’s Lament and the Words on Which We Rest

As far as Rembrandt paintings go, Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem isn’t that remarkable. It’s incredible, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t rise to the masterwork level of The Storm on the Sea of Galilee or The Return of the Prodigal Son.

Nevertheless, Rembrandt’s portrait of the grieving prophet is one I have been paying attention to for decades. It’s in my personal collection. Every time I see it, it reminds me of the Lord’s call on my life into pastoral ministry.

Rembrandt's painting, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem" (1630)

The Destruction of Jerusalem

As the title suggests, this painting captures Jeremiah’s grief as the holy city burns, Solomon’s temple with it. The prophet had been calling the people of Judah to repent for more than forty years.

No one listened.

Jeremiah had been beaten and imprisoned and had his books destroyed. Five different kings came and went — the last of which was King Zedekiah, Judah’s final king, who stood atop Rembrandt’s temple steps, fists buried into his eye sockets, in agony after being blinded by King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:7). The doom Jeremiah foretold was happening.

Rembrandt presented him sitting in a cave with some of the relics from the temple at his feet, treasured items of precious metal now without their place of usefulness beside him, glowing in the light of the burning city.  

His left arm leans on a book. The spine bears the word Bibel, a detail probably added later. The book is likely intended to be a combination of the prophetic book bearing Jeremiah’s name and the book of Lamentations, his insistent, poetic, yet unheeded call to repent — a book in which the Lord tells his people,

I have loved you with an everlasting love;  
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.  
I will build you up again,  
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. 
— Jeremiah 31:3–4 (NIV)

The Invitation of Art

Art leads us into our most tender thoughts. It invites us to hold with an open hand the things we’re learning about our pain and trials. It tells us to look in a certain direction while so much happens outside of the frame. It invites us to consider our own limits and mortality. It has a way of freezing moments in time, holding them in a still frame as we seek to understand them.

Art makes a statement we can return to when we struggle to find the words. Even in our places of deepest lament, hope is there, and art plays a role in stirring that longing.

The book on which Rembrandt’s Jeremiah leans resounds with hope:  

Remember my affliction and my wanderings,  
the wormwood and the gall!  
My soul continually remembers it  
and is bowed down within me.  
But this I call to mind,  
and therefore I have hope:  
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;  
his mercies never come to an end;  
they are new every morning;  
great is your faithfulness.  
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,  
“therefore I will hope in him.” 
— Lamentations 3:19–24 (ESV)

The Poetry of Lamentations

Hope abounds. But Jeremiah’s lament is not filled with hope alone. It’s also filled with art, with poetry. The book of Lamentations is one of the most lyrically complex masterworks, not only in the Old Testament, but in all ancient texts. The book is comprised of five intricately connected poems that lead the reader from a place of loss and shame to hope and renewal, both for individuals and for the entire community of God’s people.  

Describing the complexity of Lamentations’ poetic construction and meter, the ESV Study Bible notes that much of the “rhythm is based on lines of two unequal parts. The first part normally consists of three words and the second part usually includes two words. This pattern creates three accents, then two, thereby creating a falling, rising, and falling cadence. In this way, the poems seem to ‘limp,’ as if the reader is walking haltingly along behind a funeral procession.”

The book is also filled with acrostic poetry that not only is contained within each chapter but arcs over the entirety of the book. Hebrew acrostic poetry uses the Hebrew alphabet to organize poetic thought. Lamentations features four different types:

  • Chapter 1 consists of twenty-two lines, each beginning with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet, starting with aleph, then beth, and so on.
  • Chapters 2 and 4 imitate chapter 1 by opening each stanza with the next consecutive letter in the Hebrew alphabet.
  • Chapter 3 is a sixty-six-line acrostic with “stanzas of three lines each that begin with the same letter of the alphabet. Thus, chapter 3 has sixty-six lines, like chapters 1 and 2. But each line in 3:1–3 begins with aleph; 3:4–6 has each line begin with beth; and so forth.”

Look up the Hebrew text of Lamentations 3 to see this poetry for yourself. Even if you don’t read Hebrew, you will see how each group of three lines starts with the same letter, which reads from right to left. The complexity of this kind of poetry reveals a mastery of both thought and language, and also a sort of divine playfulness even when the world would insist that all was lost.

Lamentation Is an Art

Why does this matter? In Judah’s worst moments, the words the Lord gave to call them to repentance and restoration were filled with beauty and artistry. They glimmer as the city burns.

The prophet didn’t just say, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” He said it in a pair of acrostic triads. The form of the words themselves lifts our heads from the dust and leads us to wonder about the creative power behind their meaning.

They aren’t just words. They are chosen words, crafted words, ordered words, risen words.  

The Lord has no ordinary words for us. They are all gilded in beauty and glory. Why? Because even in our darkest moments, he created us to lean into who he is: beautiful and glorious.

So Rembrandt’s Jeremiah, struck with the grief of Jerusalem’s destruction, leans his weight on a book filled with poems about the mercies of the Lord, how they are new every morning, and how hope threads through until the end.

Adapted from Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart: What Art Teaches Us About the Wonder and Struggle of Being Alive by Russ Ramsey.

Cover of "Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart" by Russ Ramsey

Beyond a mere introduction to great art, Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart is about loving to learn what art has to teach us about the wonder and struggle of being alive. 

Russ Ramsey digs into the stories of artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Artimisia Gentileschi, and Norman Rockwell for readers who may be new to art, as well as for lifelong students of art history, to mine the transcendent beauty and hard lessons we can take from their masterpieces and their lives.

Each story from some of the history’s most celebrated artists applies the beauty of the gospel in a way that speaks to the suffering and hope we all face. 

Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart is published by Zondervan, the parent company of Bible Gateway.

The Fear That Eliminates Fears 

John Bevere
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The Fear That Eliminates Fears 

We live in a troubled and fear-filled world.

In fact, Jesus tells us it will only intensify. His description of what’s on the horizon is sobering: “‘Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth’” (Luke 21:26 NKJV).

These fears and anxieties displace hope, peace, and tranquility, leaving only unrest, heavy hearts, and persistent torment.

What’s the antidote? 

Kept Safe by Heaven’s Armies

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe” (Isaiah 8:11–14 NLT).

Holy fear eliminates all other fears and anxieties, for it is backed by God’s promise of being kept safe. Stop for a moment and ponder this reality. 

Imagine all the armed forces of the United States being assigned to protect you. Every general informs their down-line officers that you’re top priority, and anything required for your safety is to be implemented. Their full spectrum of advanced weaponry is committed to provide protection wherever you stay or go. It’s almost unimaginable, but if this occurred, I’m sure you’d feel safe and secure. Yet this pales in comparison to God Almighty saying, “I will keep you safe.”

No wonder we are told: 

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. — Psalm 31:19–20 (NLT)

The promise of lavished goodness — being hidden in the shelter of God’s presence, safe from those who would try to harm us — is not made to all, but to those who fear God.

‘Don’t Be Afraid!’

There was a time when the king of Aram became furious with Elisha the prophet and sent troops to arrest him. Elisha’s servant was the first to see the soldiers, horses, and chariots. He was overwhelmed with fear. 

“‘Don’t be afraid!’ Elisha told him. ‘For there are more on our side than on theirs!’ Then Elisha prayed, ‘Oh Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’” (2 Kings 6:16–17). The Lord did, and the servant saw on the hillside multitudes of angelic horses and chariots of fire. 

Jesus often encountered crowds that picked up stones to hurl at Him. Another time a crowd attempted to throw Him off a cliff, but in each life-threatening occasion, He simply walked away unharmed (see Luke 4:29; John 8:59, 10:39). 

The only time God permits someone who fears Him to go through suffering is if it’s granted from above for God’s glory. However, even in these situations there is a confidence from holy fear that eliminates human fear. Consider the three young Hebrew men who were brought before the most powerful king on earth, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He had built a large idol and made a decree that all people should bow before it anytime music was heard in the land. 

These three young men feared God and refused to sin by obeying the leader’s decree. They were brought before a very angry Nebuchadnezzar, one who could instantly throw them into a furnace of fire. Were the young men afraid? I’ll let you determine, for notice what they say to an enraged king: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Daniel 3:17–18). 

What confidence! They remained calm and fearless, even though Scripture states, “Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage” (v. 19). These men feared God and therefore knew He would deliver them either by life or death. They were hurled into the furnace but came out unharmed, without even the smell of smoke. They remained unafraid, even if it meant death. 

The apostle Paul, a man who greatly feared God, had the same attitude. When facing possible execution he stated, “I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:20–21).

Why is dying to glorify Christ even better or, as other translations say, “far better” than life? The fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, enlightens us with the proper perspective on this life and the next. This is why Jesus states, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). 

Freedom From Fear

Years ago, while I was on the road ministering, God spoke to me when I was fearful for my children. He said, “John, any fear in your life only identifies what you haven’t put under the cross; you still own that area of your life.” I repented that evening, gave our sons completely back to God, and never worried again for their safety.

The fear of the Lord leads us to surrender all to Jesus. When we do, we live in what others greatly desire but just can’t find: peace, confidence, and freedom from fear. 

Adapted from The Awe of God by John Bevere.

Cover of "The Awe of God" by John Bevere

Do you long for an intimate relationship with your Creator, but He seems elusive? Perhaps it is because something utterly essential is missing — the fear of the Lord. Don’t let this frighten you. Fearing God is very different than being afraid of God. It’s the key to everything. 

The Awe of God was designed to be read slowly and intentionally, given its devotional format. At the end of each of the 42 chapters are five tools to help you deepen your understanding and apply what the Spirit of God is teaching you. With this compelling and convicting message, you can experience a revival in your relationship with God, whether you’re new to following Him or have walked with Him for most of your life. 

The Awe of God is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway. 

Trusting God Through Doubt: Q&A With Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa TerKeurst and Bible Gateway
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Trusting God Through Doubt: Q&A With Lysa TerKeurst

Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it’s also what trips you up after you’ve been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You’re exhausted by other people’s choices and starting to question your own discernment. And you’re wondering, If God let this happen, can He even be trusted? 

Lysa TerKeurst is the bestselling author of I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t: Moving Forward When You’re Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment. If you’re struggling with doubt — in yourself, in your relationships, or even with God — she knows where you’re coming from.

In this interview, Lysa shares some of her own moments of struggling with how to trust God through doubt and grief, and offers compassionate advice about how to walk through difficult times and let yourself ask questions without losing faith.

‘Take This Cup From Me’

Q: Can a believer who loves God still face challenges of trusting God during times of doubt and uncertainty? 

I’ve spent many nights staring up into the sky, bewildered as I felt my disappointment turn into grief, turn into numbness, turn into distance from God. There were so many times when I thought God was about to turn everything around, but then things got worse, not better. Some of my darkest days were when I could not make sense of what God was allowing. And my fear was: Because God allowed all of this, what else might He allow?

Slowly, I have realized I cannot attach my hope to God making things feel fair. And I certainly can’t attach my hope to the outcomes I desperately want. I have to attach my hope to who God is. He is good. He is faithful. He is my Father who loves me. 

God’s character, which never changes, is His personal promise to me. And to you. We can stand with assurance on who He is even when we don’t understand what He does or doesn’t do. I’ve come to terms with the truth that if it was good for us to have more information, God would surely give it to us. So the fact that He isn’t allowing us access to more details lets me know that having that information isn’t what’s best. 

Q: What’s your favorite example from the Word of learning to navigate struggles with trust and faith? 

One of my favorite passages to turn to when I’m struggling with trusting God’s plan is in Mark 14:34-35, “’My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.” 

These verses are so comforting because I relate to these words of Jesus so much. I’ve felt I might not survive some of the circumstances and heartbreaks I’ve faced. And I’ve certainly asked God to let this pass from me. I’ve often begged him, “Don’t let this be the way my story goes.” 

Knowing Jesus deeply understands my pain and wrestling helps me trust his teaching on a whole new level. Everything he teaches us is with personal awareness of the woundings that can happen to the human heart.  

The next verse in Mark 14:36 is profound. Jesus says, “’Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” 

He asks God to change the plan but in the next breath declares that he will trade his will for God’s will.  

I’ve started to incorporate this verse into my daily prayer time. After I make requests of God, I open my hands and say, “I trade my will for thy will because I’m so confident you will.” And then I leave room for the mystery of God as I get up from my prayer and receive whatever it is that He has for me that day. 

Trusting God Through Difficulty

Q: What’s an example from your life when you’ve learned to trust God even through difficulty? 

My wonderful friend Lisa passed away very quickly after a severe diagnosis. 

We were in the middle of planning another trip together. We were in the middle of doing ministry work together. She still had grandbabies being born and adventures she wanted to take. 

And then right in the middle of all of that life, suddenly an illness slammed the brakes on everything. 

I miss my friend Lisa so much. I can’t talk about her without crying. And as I process my grief, I’ve encountered more hard questions I have for God:  

Why her?  

Why this special person who brought such good into every life she touched?  

She honored God with her whole heart and lived His love out in such beautiful ways.  

How could any of this be part of a good plan? 

My wrestling is compounded by the unfairness of her life ending and the reality that others who cause such destruction and evil are physically healthy and free to keep hurting people. I know God is patient, wanting everyone to repent and turn from their sin. And I believe His patience with all of us is part of His goodness. 

But it hurts so much that my friend was taken.  

I’ve made peace with the fact that I don’t understand and I won’t get answers to those questions. But I still cry and I still wrestle with what seems so unfair to me. 

Can you relate? 

The only way that I’m making peace with this right now is to go back and ask myself the question, “what is true about the heart of God?” because what I believe about God’s true nature will affect how I process the really hard things that happen in life.  

I don’t understand why my friend Lisa was taken, but here’s what I do know: she loved God with all of her heart and was absolutely confident in God’s love for her. For Lisa, trusting God was never about what she was facing… but rather a confidence in the consistent faithfulness He displayed throughout her life.  

Just the other day, I turned to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 which says, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 

Lisa didn’t want this diagnosis. She didn’t want to suffer. She was grieving and those of us who love her were as well, but none of us were grieving as people who had no hope. To see how Lisa managed her grief and hope was beautiful. She was able to acknowledge that her situation stunk but was still open to the joys of life.

Honestly, in my mind, being open to the joys of life even in the midst of hardships feels like a beautiful definition of hope. And if we believe that God loves us so much that He would give His only Son to die for us, why would we think that His love would stop on the threshold of devastating life circumstances and things that don’t make sense to us? His love doesn’t stop there. So, our hope shouldn’t stop there. 

My prayer is that the more I believe in the absolute love God has for me, for Lisa, for all of us… the more I can trust Him. 

Healthy Skepticism vs. Destructive Doubt

Q: How can Christians begin to overcome feelings of mistrust or skepticism towards God? 

Thoughts of doubt don’t seem like that big of a deal one by one — just like you would never look at an ant and think it could possibly take down a huge oak tree. But I saw this very thing when a huge tree fell because an injury allowed moisture in, which softened it enough for ants to hollow it out.  

Please hear me: it’s not wrong to have doubts, but it is dangerous to get consumed by them. 

And to get even more vulnerable to the storms around us because of thoughts that erode our faith in God. Each doubt we have will cause us to either press into God or pull away from Him.  

We press into Him by doing what we already know to do: get into His Word, pray, listen to Him, and look for evidence of His goodness in our midst. And in the dark times when we can’t see or understand what God is doing, we can trace His hand of faithfulness from the many times in our past when He got us through all we faced. He did it then. And He will do it again.  

Q: Why is it important to distinguish between healthy skepticism and destructive doubt when it comes to trusting other people? 

Some people believe when you love someone, you must give them unconditional trust. I understand the sentiment of this. And I wish all relationships were absolutely safe, honest, and in keeping with the way the Bible teaches us to treat one another. But we all know that’s not always the case.  

So instead of ignoring red flags we need to wisely examine what’s going on. It’s not wrong to have skepticism, especially when a person has broken our trust before.  

My counselor Jim Cress taught me to “get curious instead of furious.” Asking questions is so much healthier than making destructive accusations.  

And how the other person reacts to your questions will tell you a lot. If they get defensive and angry by your questions, chances are your concerns are valid. If they respond with care and compassion as they give you the answers you need, that’s usually a good sign of honesty.  

Finding God’s Goodness in the Small Things

Q: What practical advice do you offer for those who find it difficult to trust God in the midst of difficult circumstances? 

When it comes to trusting God during difficult circumstances or seasons, I have learned to ask myself: “What if, instead of doubting God’s goodness, I started cooperating with His goodness?” 

What does it mean to cooperate with God’s goodness? It means to notice His goodness, to call it out, and to find calming enjoyment in those small evidences. Maybe we won’t see the big miracle we keep looking for today. But we can see His goodness in other ways, right now, today. 

This has become such a crucial aspect in my journey. When I don’t see any good in a tough situation I’m going through, I think His goodness can only be evidenced by Him doing something to turn that situation around or at least something to assure me He’s working on it. 

But I’m learning to expand my view and acknowledge His goodness in other places of my life. A lot of times I forget the small stuff is a direct result of our good Creator God. That’s what helps me experience His goodness in very tangible ways. Here are some examples of small stuff that help me remember the big reality of God’s goodness: 

  • the sweetness of a perfectly ripe peach 
  • music that calms my mind and makes me exhale 
  • the sun that comes out from behind a cloud and warms me on a chilly day 
  • lights that are strung between backyard trees, hanging above a circle of friends around a firepit 
  • an unexpected, but truly satisfying belly laugh 
  • the smell of morning coffee, of my favorite flower, or my favorite dessert baking in the oven 
  • watching the ocean waves on a gorgeous day go just so far and then pull back inside themselves 

Write down some of the evidence of the goodness of God you’re experiencing in small, everyday ways. Then write down who you could share this with or give this to. When we spread His goodness to other people, we are cooperating with His goodness to us. 

Forgiving Those Who Hurt Us Doesn’t Mean We Need to Trust Them

Q: What would you say to those dealing with the impact of past disappointments or betrayals on their ability to trust God fully? 

Here’s the truth: if someone is struggling to trust, chances are there’s a reason. Whether they can recall the exact reason or not, they’ve had an experience that has made them recoil in angst and pain. Of course they are hesitant or possibly resistant to trusting people, especially those who have hurt them or who remind them of someone they trusted and got burned by. 

And, it only makes sense that they would have questions about why God didn’t stop or prevent the betrayals that broke their heart. Questions like, “How can I trust that God is for me when it seems like the one who hurt me got away with it?” I have certainly wrestled through that question.  

But here’s what I know to be true: God will not be mocked. He is in the process of addressing their sin in His way and in His time. Just because we feel there might be an absence of God’s justice does not mean there’s an absence of His presence. He is with you today and He will walk you through this with great measures of mercy.  

Interestingly, one of the words for “trust” in the Bible is batah. When the object of trust is people, possessions, or status, batah is almost always used in a negative sense. But when batah is used toward God it is always positive. While people and other things may let us down time and time again, remember God will never be untrustworthy. He is always faithful and He will never leave us.  

Remember, just because God calls us to forgive does not mean we have to automatically trust those who hurt us. Sometimes with unrepentant people, distrust is the most appropriate response there is. Hand them over to God and realize that you being cautious with trusting them may actually be a sign of wisdom, not weakness. 

Q: What role does prayer and seeking God’s guidance play in overcoming trust issues? 

Humans who break our trust do not have the power to break apart God’s good plans for our lives. They may have enough influence in our lives to hurt our hearts and make us feel derailed. We may even think their actions have created so much destruction that life will never be normal again. But people are never more powerful than God. 

While there will always be gaps in the trust we have with people, there are no gaps in the trustworthiness of God.  

So, here’s where we have to be cautious. Sometimes when we don’t understand why God is allowing hurt and pain in our lives, we may feel disillusioned enough to stop praying and talking to Him. Or we may feel the pressure to tidy up our feelings before we talk to Him. But God wants us to pour out our hearts to Him in prayer about whatever is troubling us. We see this modeled throughout the book of Psalms.  

There is so much angst and fear and turmoil expressed without the pressure to minimize the hurtful realities. God isn’t disappointed in our raw honesty with Him. The beautiful thing is that this is exactly what He wants from us. And then through our prayers and lament and vulnerable processing, He can guide our feelings and help us not lose hope for a better future ahead of us.  

Walk in the Assurance of God’s Goodness

Q: How can understanding and addressing trust issues contribute to a deeper, more resilient faith? 

Ultimately, whatever we don’t trust we’ll try to control. But this is not how faith works.

Sometimes I wonder if a big part of the exhaustion and anxiety we feel around hard circumstances like trust issues is because we are constantly trying to remove faith from our relationship with God. When we trust people, we are looking for evidence we can see with our physical eyes that trusting them is safe.

Faith doesn’t work that way. Faith will always make us anxious and unsure unless we are confident in the goodness of God. If we stand firm on His goodness and know everything He allows is somehow flowing from that goodness, then we will have a lot less fear in trusting Him.

Faith in God means to be assured of His goodness even when what He allows doesn’t feel good, seem good, or look good right now. Faith is our confidence in what we hope for. Faith is our assurance about what we do not see. 

Q: Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to leave with readers who have been hurt or harmed by those they once trusted? 

The trauma of having your trust broken by people you thought would never betray you is life altering. But it doesn’t have to be life ruining.

I have walked the road of hurting and healing for years. There has been lots of counseling. Lots of internal work. Lots of praying and seeking. Lots of perspective shifts and healing. New hope. New discoveries. And finding a life that’s so different from what I thought my future would look like. But finally realizing that “different” can be wildly beautiful.

Now I’m walking forward in ways I never thought possible. And you can too. 

Cover of "I Want to Trust You But I Don't" by Lysa TerKeurst

Learn more about Lysa’s book and companion video Bible Study, I Want to Trust You But I Don’t.

New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shows you what to do with your skepticism and distrust so you can heal from past betrayals and move forward with strength and resilience. 

In a world where so many things feel alarming, this book will give you a peace that isn’t dependent on unpredictable people, circumstances, and experiences. Instead, it offers practical and Biblical ways to make real progress toward healthier perspectives, relationships, and a future you can authentically look forward to. 

November 2024 Bible Verse Calendar: Promises of God

Bible Gateway
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November 2024 Bible Verse Calendar: Promises of God

November is “Promises of God” month at Bible Gateway! Every day, read a different promise God makes to his people in the Bible.

Click each link below to read the verse in your preferred translation — or download an image (or PDF) of all verse references.

November Promises of God

Get the most out of your Bible reading — including each of the above verses — with a free 14-day trial of Bible Gateway Plus. Access dozens of Study Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, and other resources to go deeper into every aspect of God’s Word. Try it today!

List of Bible verses naming God's promises, arranged in a calendar view for the month of November 2024

Look at the Book: Jeremiah [Infographic]

Chris Fann
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Look at the Book: Jeremiah [Infographic]

Welcome back to Bible Gateway’s weekly Look at the Book series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. The prophet Jeremiah presents a dire outlook for the nation of Judah ahead of the Babylonian invasion.

Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.

Summary

Jeremiah warns the people to stop committing adultery, using perverted worship practices, and turning away from God in general. Jeremiah’s persecution and suffering increase as God’s judgment approaches — he is actually in chains when the Babylonians take over Jerusalem.

  • Category: Prophets
  • Theme: Judgment
  • Timeline: ca. 626-561 BC
  • Written: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah

Key Verse

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Read Becky Kiser’s commentary on this verse.

From Grief to Hope

God shows himself willing to spare and bless the nation if the people repent. Though this is a frequent emphasis, it is most graphically portrayed at the potter’s shop (18:1-11).

Jeremiah’s words drip with grief over the spiritual state of Judah. But Jeremiah’s writings are not without hope. Because of God’s faithful love for his people, God would bring the people back into right relationship.

7 Day Reading Guide

(See 30-day guide below.)

Not Popular

Jeremiah was so unpopular among his contemporaries, some thought he was employed by Babylon.

Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference. 

Infographic depicting major themes and content from Jeremiah
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