“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

When we interpret a scripture, it is necessary to understand the context of its creation. In this text, the prophet Jeremiah was dealing with Jews who were in Babylonian captivity. The prophet encouraged the exiled Jewish population with a reassuring word from God. After a bitter time of consequences for their rebelliousness and sin, our heavenly Father said to the captive Hebrews, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you.” With his promise of a hopeful future, God lovingly drew the repentant to once again faithfully keep his commandments. 

Does this passage apply to Christian life? It certainly does. God has a plan for each believer. We read in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, ‘Things which an eye didn’t see, and an ear didn’t hear, which didn’t enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him.’ WEB”

Seek First God’s Kingdom

God has a plan for each of us. Part of his divine plan was to reconcile believers to him through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Lord called us to repent from our sins and live lives that honor him. Concerning our needs in this world, Matthew 6:33 tells us, “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. WEB”

The Lord has plans for his people. He wants to prosper us and give us hope. Most importantly, he wants us to live lives that honor him. When the Lord said through the prophet Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you,” his appeal was to the nation of Israel. Since that time, God has adopted Gentiles into his holy family by faith in Jesus Christ. As adop[ted members of God’s family, Christians share in the promises of God.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Lord Is a Fortified Tower