What a comforting answer to a worried heart! Tonight, let's find joy in this. Zion, good things are coming your way. Your struggles will end, your children will be gathered, and your captivity will cease. Endure the trials for a moment and trust in God in the darkness, for His love burns brightly for you.

God loves His church with a love beyond our understanding. He cherishes her with His whole heart. So let her people be strong; prosperity is near for those to whom God speaks uplifting words. The prophet tells us God is deeply committed to Jerusalem and Zion. He loves His church so much He can't stand for her to drift away. And when she does, He won't let her suffer excessively. God won't allow her enemies to harm her. He gets angry with them for increasing her troubles.

When God seems distant, His heart remains close to His church. History shows that whenever God disciplines His servants, He rejects the very instrument of that discipline afterward. "Just as a father has compassion on his children, the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him." God hasn't abandoned us just because He disciplines us. His corrections are not signs of a lack of love. If this holds true for the church as a whole, it must also be true for each member.

You might worry the Lord has overlooked you, but that's not true. He, who counts and names the stars, won't forget His own children. He knows your situation as completely as if you were the only person He created, or the only saint He loves. Come to Him and find peace.