Jeremiah 29:11-13

New International Version

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.” 

For Meditation

Many people have believed the lies of politicians and staked their lives on their promises. The worst of it all is the message of the false prophets of our day. They have wounded many people in the church who are nursing the disappointments they have suffered at their hands. 

I remember my experience in one ministry. The fellowship was great, and love flowed around in good measure. Our prayer team got to work, and soon they gave me a prophecy. God was going to prosper my business and use me to finance the church. I loved it, and I hung my future on it. Days and months rolled by, and finally, one of the team members told me that for all the prayers they had invested in my business without evidence of growth, there must be something wrong with me. You can imagine my distress. Years later, when God called me into full-time ministry, I realized how misguided and oppressive their prophesies and accusations became to me. The Babylonian exiles had a similar experience. 

The false prophet Hananiah deceived the exiles from Judah with a message of a quick return from exile (Jeremiah 28:1-4). Jeremiah disputed that message. God’s judgment fell on the false prophet Hananiah, and he died (17). Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles, reminding them of God’s ordained duration for their time in Babylon and what they had to do to survive (29:4-10). True to His character and a characteristic of every judgment of God, He closed the message with this comforting promise.

“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. 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” (11-13).

Over the years, God’s people have found comfort in these words. They reveal the heart of God for His people, even in judgment. He cares for His children and always waits to restore them when they learn to turn from sin and put their trust in Him.

The redeemed of God have to hear this message today. God assures you He has a plan for your life, but not what the false prophets tell you. He does not intend to harm you but to prosper and give you hope and a future. When you learn to trust Him, then you will come to know that He is a hearing and prayer-answering God—a loving God who will always open Himself to His repentant prodigal.

O, that you may know this and forsake your selfish ways, move away from the charlatan prophets, and turn to God, falling back into His good plan for your life and enjoy intimate fellowship with Christ Jesus, your Lord.