“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

OBSERVATION

I know we have heard or said this verse probably hundreds of times. Have you ever actually thought about the words you’re saying though? God promises us a future of HOPE! He reminds us that we have a purpose in this world. He reminds us that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. If we look at the definition of prosper it is “to flourish, to grow strong and healthy”. In the uncertainty of the world we live in today how awesome is it to know that God has a plan for our life and it’s not just any kind of plan but it’s one where we grow STRONG and we FLOURISH.

APPLICATION

I don’t know about you, but the future has always been a scary thought to me. Never knowing what may come my way or where I may end up. Granted it might be my anxiety talking but the future is SCARY! I found so much comfort in this verse this year. I saw it in a different light, it was hopeful. With all the craziness of a sickness taking over our world and the fear that came along with it, I became so scared of tomorrow. I never knew what was to come, if my family members would survive, if I could make it through being locked in a home by myself without depression creeping its way back in. It wasn’t always easy, but this verse kept me going. God knows the plans He has for me and He is ALWAYS in control. He has plans to give me HOPE and a FUTURE. This week I challenge you to hang this verse somewhere in your room, and I want you to pray this over every anxious thought about tomorrow. Remind yourself that God has a plan for your life. He hasn’t left you and He won’t leave you now!

PrayER

God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for giving me a future. Thank you for keeping me safe and reminding me that you have never left me even in the loneliest of moments. God I pray that as anxious thoughts come this week about my tomorrow that your peace may follow. That I may hold close to my heart your promises. That I may know and believe that you are for me, you haven’t left me. Amen!