“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.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

As humans, we desire control and certainty. We like to know what’s going to happen next. When things feel uncertain, we might feel fear, worry, and anxiety. Yet, the scripture for today offers comfort and hope in these moments.

God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, reassuring us of His sovereign control over our lives. It is God who has plans for us, not just any plans, but plans to prosper us, not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. These words may not dispel the storm around us immediately, but they can surely calm the storm within us.

In the Bible, God’s prosperity often refers not just to physical or material blessing, but also to spiritual prosperity – growth in character, deepening faith, and closeness to God. In God’s dictionary, ‘harm’ is anything that draws us away from Him, and ‘prosperity’ is everything that draws us closer to Him.

However, trusting in God’s plan requires patience. The fulfillment of God’s promises often doesn’t come as quickly as we would like. The Israelites to whom Jeremiah was speaking had to wait 70 years in exile before they saw this promise fulfilled. We must remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own.

Despite our circumstances, we can remain secure in God’s promises. When our vision is clouded by fear, His word reminds us of His plans for our welfare, a future filled with hope.

Wonder in the Word

Are there areas of your life where you struggle to trust God’s plans? What steps can you take to surrender control and trust in His promise of a hopeful future?