Reflection
In today's readings, judgment and hope intertwine. 2 Kings 24-25 and 2 Chronicles 36 chronicle Jerusalem's fall and Babylonian exile as consequences of persistent rebellion. Psalm 126 celebrates restoration's joy. 1 Peter 3 instructs believers to maintain hope and righteous conduct even through unjust suffering, showing that God's purposes endure beyond earthly kingdoms.

The key insight we can draw from these passages is this: Even in exile and suffering, God remains faithful to His people, and He calls us to maintain hope, righteousness, and gentle witness through every circumstance.

Let's break this down into a simple principle:

Trust God's faithfulness during difficult seasons, respond to suffering with grace rather than retaliation, and maintain hope in His promises of restoration.

Here are five practical steps we can take to apply today's readings:

1. Write down one current difficulty and thank God for His presence in it.

2. Respond with gentleness rather than defensiveness to one criticism today.

3. Pray for someone who has caused you pain or disappointment.

4. Share one reason for your hope with someone facing discouragement.

5. List three ways God has remained faithful during past difficult seasons.

As you go about your day, reflect on this question: How might God be using current difficulties to refine rather than punish you?

Conclusion
Thank you for joining me today. Even in exile and suffering, God's faithfulness sustains us. May you find hope in His promises and respond to hardship with grace. Until tomorrow, trust His presence through every season.