In Zechariah 8, hope that is only found through Christ and knowing He is returning and His Kingdom on earth will be established blossoms. We don't live on God's explanations. He owes us none. We live on God's promises. Through the promise of Jesus' return, hope is poured out to the Israelites as well as to us today. Life on earth is not easy, but when we choose Jesus as Lord over our lives, He is with us and we know this is temporary and a glorious eternity awaits. As we mature in Christ, He is able to trust us with more. He honors our faithfulness. He has a perfect plan. He offers us - every single person - redemption, righteousness, hope, and eternity with Him. It's up to us to choose it.