Beautiful Word Devotional #325

“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

When we look at this well-known verse, we find reassurance that God is in control of our lives and has good things for us. But this promise is much more far-reaching.

First, consider the context. Jeremiah was speaking God’s words to encourage the nation of Israel, who had been exiled to Babylon. Many people who first heard these words wouldn’t experience deliverance from Babylon. Instead, they would continue to learn to thrive in a place that was hard, buoyed by hope for their children.

Now consider this promise’s even bigger span. Ultimately, God will bring his people out of this earth where we are foreigners and into his heavenly kingdom. The hope we have is Jesus’ return; the future will be life in a new earth under a new heaven.

So these words offer hope to us as individuals just as they offered hope to the people of Israel and just as they offer hope to Christ followers today, for he will reign forever!

Lord, thank you for your promises and your promised future reign, amen.