Most of us are familiar with 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.”
It is a beautiful promise from God. It is verse that we cling to when we are facing unknown situations and difficult times. We find comfort in knowing that God has a plan for us and for our future. When we dig into this verse and those that follow, we understand that these words were spoken in a time of suffering and hardship. People were looking to be rescued from all of the turmoil in their world.
We see that God did not promise that there would not be suffering or hardship, or an immediate rescue from all troubles. He promised that through difficult times, He has a plan for hope and a future. He has a plan for us to prosper in the midst of the situation. He promises to walk with us.
As we continue to read on in Jeremiah 29:11-14, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”
We learn that God promises that He will walk with those who call on Him. Those who seek Him. He promises us that if we seek Him with all of our heart, we will find Him. He promises to listen. Another beautiful promise.
He promises to bring us out of captivity. Think about that. What is holding us captive today? Fear? Anxiety? Hopelessness? Covid? Finances? Health?
He does not ask us to jump through hoops or do crazy things. He simply asks us to seek Him with our whole heart and experience Him. If it is that simple, why is it so hard for us? 2020 has been a year of unknowns. Can we seek God and believe the promise that no matter what is happening here on earth, He has a plan for us to prosper?
When we take the time to be with God, to put everything else in this world aside, we are renewed in our faith. God wants to walk with us. He loves us. He sent His son to earth to save us. He wants to know us and He wants us to know Him. He wants us to devote our time and energy into walking with Him. The rest is up to us. Will we carry through today? Will we seek Him? Will we devote our time and energy into the One who loves us the most?
Let us call on Him today and every day. Blessings, Jaci
One response to ““You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 Devotional June 25, 2020”
I see the word “prosper” and feel that we define that word in what the world views as prosperity…having the best of possessions, etc. But can we look at it differently? We will prosper in our growth as a human. Can we have more tolerance for those who are different than us? Can we learn that each experience, though similar, may teach each of us something totally different in our growth as a child of God? Lord, help us to continue to grow in your word and in our world.