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)
Theme: Trusting God’s Plan
This is our 5th week on this theme. Review previous posts on this topic here: In Whom Do You Trust?, Straight Paths, Lift Your Eyes, My Help From the Lord
This verse was part of God’s message to the people of Judah after they 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. Unfortunately, they didn’t heed God’s warning. So, just as had been prophesied, Jerusalem was conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BC, the temple was ransacked and many people of Judah were taken away by the Babylonians (as a side note…one of the Judeans taken into captivity was Daniel).
But God remained faithful to His people and He had plans for them. While they were still in captivity He spoke to them through His prophet, Jeremiah, and God had both some bad news and some good news. His message was essentially this:
– Get comfy, because you’re going to stay in captivity 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, when you do, 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.
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