August 23, 2019 – Jeremiah 29:11-13

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13.

During times of sorrow and change in our lives, we struggle to find hope. The ‘Nay-sayers’ give us many with words of doom.  This happened to the children of Israel when they were captured and taken into captivity in 598 BC.  

The Lord God does not change.  His purpose of salvation for His People did not change.  Ultimate Redemption belongs to the Lord.  What did God lead Jeremiah to write to the Israelites? But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7.

God promised an end to the exile after seventy years.  The Lord has plans for the future and hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  Jeremiah 29:12.  And what did Jesus teach about 90 years later? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Matthew 6:33.   How shall we seek? With all our heart and soul.   “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6.

I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. Jeremiah 29:14.