Jeremiah 29:11 is one verse I've heard a lot while growing up in church and attending many Christian events: "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."
It's a verse often quoted by youth pastors in messages about abstinence or graduation (it's a good go-to verse for both scenarios, I guess). :) When I read this verse today, I looked at it with fresh eyes--and the perspective of context.
Since we started reading the book of Jeremiah, it's been pretty clear that at this point in history, God was fed up with His people. Time and time again, they turned away from Him and rejected His instruction. He sent good people like Jeremiah to speak the truth and intervene--but they didn't listen.
The context of Jeremiah 29:11 is important because it's a total expression of who God is--while His people rejected Him, He was planning their hope and future. Yes, He was allowing them to go into exile as a consequence for their disobedience--but while they abandoned Him, He never abandoned them. He also knew that they would turn around one day. Take a look:
"...I have it all planned out—
plans to take care of you, not abandon you,
plans to give you the future you hope for.
"When you call on me,
when you come and pray to me,
I'll listen.
"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "
Yes, when you get serious about finding me
and want it more than anything else,
I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."
God's Decree.
It's God's heart to create good plans for everyone--but He promises the blessing of His presence to those who seriously seek Him. God has a hope and a future planned for all of us--but when we put our hope in Him to lead our futures, we have the opportunity to walk in His promises.
Tomorrow: Jeremiah 30-31
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