Plans to Give You Hope and a Future
Date: August 3, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse in NIV (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."
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing promise of hope and a future. Help us to trust in Your good plans for our lives, even when we can't see the way forward. Give us the faith to hold onto this promise, savoring the assurance of Your love and care for us. May we find peace and joy in knowing that our future is secure in Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.
E - Explore the History and meaning Jeremiah wrote this to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. Despite their current hardships, God was assuring them that He had not forgotten them and that their story wasn't over. This promise was not just for immediate prosperity, but for an ultimate restoration and hope. It reminds us that God's plans for His people are always good, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
"I know the plans" - God is all-knowing and has specific intentions for our lives.
"Prosper you and not to harm you" - God's plans are for our wellbeing, not our destruction.
"Hope and a future" - God promises not just short-term relief, but long-term purpose and hope.
S - Summarize and Share (Savoring God's Promises theme) This promise from Jeremiah 29:11 is seriously my favorite scripture! It's like a warm hug from God, isn't it? Every time I read it, I'm reminded to savor the incredible truth that God has good plans for me.
You know, it's easy to forget this promise when life gets tough. Maybe you're going through a difficult time right now, and you're wondering, "Where are those good plans, God?" I've been there too. But that's when we need to really hold onto this verse and savor it like a piece of sweet candy.
Let's break it down a bit. First, God says, "I know the plans I have for you." Isn't that comforting? The God of the universe, who knows everything, has specific plans for your life and mine. We're not just random specks in the cosmos; we're cherished children with a purpose.
And what kind of plans does He have? Plans to prosper us, not to harm us. Now, this doesn't mean we'll never face difficulties. But it does mean that even in those tough times, God is working for our good. He's not out to get us or to make our lives miserable. His heart is for our wellbeing.
Finally, He promises us hope and a future. Oh, how we need hope, don't we? Especially when the present seems dark or uncertain. This promise is like a light at the end of the tunnel, assuring us that better days are coming.
When I really take time to savor this promise, it changes my perspective on everything. Bad day at work? God has good plans for me. Worried about the future? God's already there, and He's working things out for my good. Feeling lost or purposeless? God has a hope and a future for me.
So today, let's not just read this verse; let's really savor it. Let it sink deep into our hearts. Let's taste and see that the Lord is good, that His promises are trustworthy. When we do this, we'll find a peace that goes beyond our circumstances, a joy that comes from knowing we are loved and cared for by a God who keeps His promises.
Remember, this promise is for you. God has good plans for your life. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Savor that truth today and let it fill your heart with hope and your mind with peace.
3 Bible Cross References:
Romans 8:28
Philippians 1:6
Isaiah 55:8-9
Question for the audience: How does knowing that God has good plans for you change your perspective on your current situation? Share a word or short phrase in the comments that describes how this promise makes you feel. Let's encourage each other with the hope we have in God's promises!