For years I’ve read articles from sociologists and scientists about the dangers of over-population. The earth simply cannot sustain billions of people. Dire consequences are sure to follow. Now world population growth is slowing, and I’m starting to see essays about the dangers of under-population. As it turns out, dire consequences will still follow.

The clanging news cycle pushes me towards angst. But I continue to find hope in the Scriptures. Two different writers, thousands of year apart, encouraged their distressed audiences to remember the goodness of God.

First, from Jeremiah. “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.”

Then Peter reminded those suffering for the sake of their faith to remember Jesus as the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

Too many people or too few? You decide which is worse. Gratefully, the Lord has an agenda for each and every one of us—plans filled with hope—if we follow the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

Jeremiah 29 & 1 Peter 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Gigi