THIS I BELIEVE: GOD HAS PLANS FOR US

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016 – Jeremiah 29:11

“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.”

The context of this biblical text is important to understand if we are to grasp the immensity of God’s promise to Israel.  You see, as Jeremiah pens these words, Israel is in dire straits because of their behavior.  Despite prophetic warnings, they have messed up over and over again.  In fact, they are in exile in Babylon when they receive this portion of Jeremiah’s “letter” to them.  In the midst of their anguish, in the moment when they feel far from God, God says to them in so many words, I have not given up on you.  In fact, I have plans to make things better, much better.  I have plans for your future and it is a future filled with hope.

No matter who we are, where we are, or what we have done (or not done), God desires for us to have a future filled with hope.  God does not sit, whereever God sits, and plan your demise or mine.  God does not desire for us to fail or suffer.  Instead, just like with Israel, God both sees past our current circumstance and longs for us to know joy.

This moment, move into your day trusting, believing, that God has good, loving, hopeful plans for you and your future.  Open your heart and look for them and be blessed.