Our Father’s Plans for Us
Everyone is looking for hope. But where is it found? For some
people, hope is found in the smile of a friend. For others, hope
grows out of financial security or a stable marriage. Where do you
normally look for hope and courage?
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is writing to people who had lost
hope in their exile. “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we
remembered Zion” (Ps. 137:1, NIV). But even though they are heart-
broken, Jeremiah lays out reasons they should not give up hope.
What reasons for hope are given in Jeremiah 29:1–10?
In this passage, there are three important sources of hope worth
highlighting.
First, God tells His people that they should not give up hope, because
their situation is not the result of chance or unpredictable evil. For God
Himself says, “I carried [Judah] into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon”
(Jer. 29:4, NIV). Though evil seems to surround them, Judah has never
left the center of God’s hands.
Second, God tells His people that they should not give up hope,
because He can work even within their present difficulties. “ ‘Also,
seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you
into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will
prosper’ ” (Jer. 29:7, NIV).
Third, God tells His people that they should not give up hope,
because He is going to bring an end to their exile at a specific time:
“This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for
Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you
back to this place’ ” (Jer. 29:10, NIV).
After God explains how He was in charge of their past, is in charge of
their present, and will be in charge of their future, He then beautifully
conveys His tender care for His people (see Jer. 29:11–14).
Read Jeremiah 29:11–14, saying your name after the word you,
as if God is making these promises to you personally. Apply these
promises for yourself in whatever your present struggles might be.
