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Intention

To encourage those who have lost hope and share with them the hope that is found in the Lord Jesus.

Scripture

“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

– Jeremiah 29:11

Reflection

As I write this, many seemingly hopeless situations are unfolding across Australia.

We see massive flooding and heartbreaking loss of life in New South Wales, while other areas contend with drought. We observe the overreach of state and federal “progressive” governments enacting anti-God, anti-Christian, and anti-life legislation, as well as entering into diabolical international treaties. Antisemitism and social and racial division are either overlooked or subtly encouraged by those in power. Financial hardship is on the rise. Suicide rates are alarming. Our children are being indoctrinated with harmful and fear-inducing ideologies. And sadly, the list continues.

Considering all this, how should we as Christians respond? How can we bring hope to those who are losing theirs – for their own futures and for their children? Where are we placing our hope?

King David encourages us, “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7).

God’s Word exhorts us to place our hope in Him – to trust in His sovereignty, knowing that His purposes are being worked out despite all we see around us (see Job 42:2; Psalm 33:11; 42:5; Isaiah 26:4).

I am reminded of the following verses from a couple of songs we sing. A grand hymn proclaims,

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

The following lines beautifully remind us:

“When I look into Your holiness,
When I gaze into Your loveliness,
Then all the things that surround
Become shadows in the light of You.”

As we turn our eyes to Jesus, everything around us falls into its proper perspective.

This enables us to confidently pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), knowing that God has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and that He is “working all things together for good” (Romans 8:28).

Australians desperately need to hear this good news.

We, the Church, are commissioned to GO and tell them, “There is hope”.

Yes, we must pray. That is foundational.

But we must also GO. Go, help where we can. Go, share the sure hope we have in Jesus and all He has done for us.

There are many Scriptures we can share that speak hope to the heart. Some of these are Psalms 23, 46, 91, and 121, as well as John 3:16. Feel free to add your own.

There is only one place for true hope: the Lord. Psalm 146:3–5 (TPT) teaches us:

“We can never look to men for help; no matter who they are, they can’t save us, for even our great leaders fail and fall. They too are just mortals who will one day die… In the day of their death all their projects and plans are over. But those who hope in the Lord will be happy and pleased! Our help comes from the God of Jacob!”

These promises are precious indeed.

Video

Prayer

Father, impart to us Your heart of compassion for Australia. Help us recognise the fears and hopelessness in those around us – in our families, our communities, and our nation.

Holy Spirit, in this season leading up to Pentecost, grant us divine appointments – opportunities to help people and speak to them about Jesus, especially the five or so people You’ve placed on our hearts.

Jesus, prepare us to always be ready to share the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). May we be bold and compassionate in declaring that hope – the hope found in You, our Saviour, who came so that we might have life and have it to the full (John 10:10).

Author Bio

Lyn is a follower of Yeshua with a passion for evangelism, Israel, and church unity. She was actively involved in ministry during the 1980s and 90s in Mossman, Far-North Queensland, before retiring with her husband to the Atherton Tablelands in 2003. She prays regularly with and is an active participant in the Canberra Declaration.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ, His Son.

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