Never was there a prophet who faced a more discouraging situation than did Jeremiah, when he was sent to cry in the ears of Jerusalem the words the Lord put in his mouth. Within the nation there was a tragic breakdown of morals, and from without they were faced with an invasion which was about to “break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.” Yet in that dark time Jeremiah achieved a ministry which stands out as one of the most courageous and inspiring chapters in Hebrew history. The nation refused to heed his message, and apparently his ministry was a complete failure. But the principles and ideas he proclaimed have an abiding value, and through the centuries have provided a light for the guidance of men and nations.

Jeremiah has been called “the prophet of gloom.” The fact is, he was the one true optimist of his time. He lived In a dark time, and he recognized the darkness; but he saw beyond the darkness the break of a new day. He saw his land in ruins, but he saw more than that—he saw God in the midst of the ruins. And he declared that God would ultimately restore the land and bring peace to His people. In view of the dense darkness of the hour, that was high optimism!

We need today men of such faith and optimism as that which marked Jeremiah’s ministry. A storm of hate and violence is sweeping over the world. The rain is descending, the floods are raging, and it seems as though the world is about to be engulfed in a deluge of destruction and ruin, and men’s hearts are failing them for fear. But Jesus sits as King of the flood. Once in obedience to His command the sea lay still at His feet. He will not now suffer His cause to be swept from the earth.

This is no time for pessimism and despair. This is the hour for the man of faith, the man who has the faith and courage to stand with Chesterton, and say: “Though giant rains put out the sun, Here stand I for a sign. Though earth be filled with waters dark, My cup is filled with wine. Tell to the trembling priests that here Under the deluge rod, One nameless, tattered, broken man, Stood up and drank to God.”

In dark times, the darkness demands the outlook of faith.