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. – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. – Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

Click here for printable verse cards:   Week 25 – Printable Cards

This verse was part of God’s message to the people of Judah who had been carried away into captivity in Babylon.  Jeremiah had warned the people that they would face God’s judgment if they didn’t change their ways and return to God, but…they didn’t.  So, just as had been prophesied, Jerusalem was conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar in 606 AD, the temple was destroyed and many people of Judah were taken away by the Babylonians (side note: one of the Judeans taken away was Daniel).

God then spoke to his people in captivity through Jeremiah, and His message was essentially this:
– Get comfy, because you’re going to stay in Babylon for 70 years
– Don’t believe false prophets who tell you otherwise…they don’t speak for me
– You will return to me and pray to me…and I will hear you and deliver you
– So be encouraged…I, the one and only God, know the plans I have for you…and those plans are good

Although God was speaking directly to the Judeans in exile in Jeremiah 29:11, this verse serves as encouragement for us as well.  What a comfort to know that God has plans for his people…and His plans are always good.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter: