“For I know the plans for you,” declares the LORD. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I like that verse. I don’t have it tattooed on my body or painted on my walls, but it gives me comfort. To know that the LORD has plans to prosper me and give me a hope and a future settles the angst in my heart. Until, someone will tell me that I can’t claim that verse for myself. Why not? Well, it was written by the prophet Jeremiah for the Israelites forced from Judah into exile. Only they have a future full of hope.
Then there’s Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD, Your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” That verse was on our adoption announcements, and I painted it on a beautiful, bug wood slab and hung it on my wall. But that verse was written for the Israelites returning from exile. Apparently, only exiles get beautiful verses.
Now, don’t get me wrong. If we’re going to quote the Bible, we need to understand it, especially, if we have it tattooed on our calf. The Bible is the inspired word of God, and there is a lot to unpack between the faded and scuffed leather covers. Theologians have argued major points for centuries and still don’t agree. Bible verses have been used out of context for generations in order to abuse and manipulate people.
But there are some things we can all agree on. Our God is a good God, who does know our future. He has plans for us and doesn’t want to harm us. He wants us to have hope. Of course, that doesn’t mean our lives will be without trouble. If that was so then Jesus would have been mistaken when He told us that “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) and if we’re told to “consider it pure joy…whenever you face trails of many kinds” (James 1:2) perhaps our definition of prosper is a bit different than God’s.
The character of God, who inspired Jeremiah to encourage the exiles in their darkest moment, has not changed in the 2,500 plus years since. He still has plans for us, and He takes great delight in us, rejoicing over us with singing, and depending on which translation you read, He might just dance over us too.
So keep your needle points and stenciled walls and be encouraged by the word of God, even if you aren’t in exile.
I loved this blog💞 based on Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans for you!” declares The Lord …
It takes me to Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God … “ I have struggled with this verse since Tanya passed away November 25, 2018 I have rested in verse 26, “And in the same way The Spirit💞 helps me in my weakness: for I do not know how to pray as I should, but The Holy Spirit Himself intercedes for me with groanings too deep for words … “
God’s been patient with me, your blog is a help to me moving from Romans 8:26 to verse 28! God Bless You for sharing your journey💞
Hi! One more thing from your #1 fan 💞👩🏻💞 Your blog from 12-31 2018 about ‘Reaching the Summit’
A perfect encouraging word for me, Queen of Procrastination, & easily discouraged! “You may not know what the next mile will look like, and it may take all the strength you have
-but do it! Take the first step … celebrate the smallest victories and enjoy the view when you reach the summit!” Thank you for these great words, Megan ! 💞👩🏻💞
Thanks for all your great comments. I’m glad you were encouraged by what I wrote. I never think they’re all that inspiring so it’s great to know God is using my words to encourage you! I can’t imagine the pain of losing your daughter. You’re an inspiration to me! Thanks for being my #1 fan!!!