There is a very familiar passage in the book of Jeremiah - one that many Christians know and love. It may very well be one of your favorites. 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."
Ruby Murphy is reading through Jeremiah in her private meditation time. That allows her to have a strong sense of the context in which these words appear. Listen to the fresh insight that came to her as she came to these very familiar words ...
I'm up to chapter 29 in Jeremiah, and I read something that made "the light bulb come on." I'm familiar with verse 11 that says "I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." I never knew the story leading up to that verse. God is telling the Jews that are in exile that, even though they are somewhere they don't want to be, make long-term plans anyway. And what really hit home for me was when He told them to pray for the city they were in, because if the city prospers, then they will prosper. It made me realize that just because I'm somewhere I don't want to be. God isn't leaving me hanging. He wants me to do well, and also to pray for some things I don't want to pray for. That part can be hard, but with God's help it can be done. And as we all know, prayer makes any situation easier.
Something else I've come to appreciate as I make my way through this book is the fact that God is unchanging. The things that broke His heart and upset Him thousands of years ago still break His heart and upset Him today. Because He is unchanging I know what He expects of me, all because some people from 2000+ years ago did break His heart. I pray that I don't act the same way. Let me learn from their mistakes.
Thank you, Ruby. I needed that reminder to pray for Houston, TX. Some of our readers may need that reminder to pray for their city, or their workplace, or some circumstance they are in the midst of that is unwelcome. Our God is truly a God of hope.
As we move into a new year, know that you serve a God of hope. You serve a God who has your best interest at heart - even when you have to walk in places you did not choose. Serve Him with joy and faithfulness. This unchanging God has your future - and He has your back!
Gail MatthewsLabels: Devotional Moments |
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