"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
For good reason this is a popular verse offered for encouragement when confusion kicks in and the road ahead seems bleak.
I love that in Jeremiah 29 God communicates a message of hope as His people enter a place of exile/forced hardship/consequences. The Israelites face a long season of difficulty but are not cut off from God's love. They may be confused, but He is not. He tells His children to build, make, dwell, work, plant, eat, marry, multiply, increase...not diminish, not dwindle, not waste away, not fade, not give up...to pray for the peace and prosperity of the city...to bloom where they are planted. Though their bodies would dwell as captives in Babylon for awhile, their hearts could look on as worshipers toward Jerusalem - focused on God and His promises.
God, You see and You know. You have a plan! Your love is perfect. Your love is best. ALL THINGS in Your hands work together for our good and for Your glory. Thank you for giving us hope in darkest times.
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