Hope Series Episode 9

Hope Series Episode 9

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“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

Hello, my walking friend! Start your walk today by thinking of 10 things you are grateful for. Go ahead, I’ll wait! Want to think of 10 more things? Awesome! I’ll wait again! Now that’s a great way to start a walk!

Today is the 9th episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is Jeremiah 29:11:
“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 is a verse that has brought hope and comfort to countless people throughout history. It is certainly one I have memorized and meditated on many times in my life! In this verse, we find God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. The context of this passage is crucial for understanding its significance. The Israelites had been taken captive and were living in a foreign land, far away from their homeland and the Temple in Jerusalem. In this time of displacement, uncertainty, and hardship, God sends a message of hope and assurance through His prophet.
Now, some people say that this verse is not applicable to us today. But I disagree. People could say that about tons of verses in the Bible since they were written to specific audiences a looonnnggg time ago. But God’s principles are true. Period. And this verse is a principle was true for the Israelites when Jeremiah gave them this encouragement and it is true for us today.

First, I think we can all agree that God knows the plans he has for us. For the Israelites, these words carried profound significance. Amidst the chaos and confusion of exile, God reassures His people that He has a plan for them. This declaration reveals the omniscience and sovereignty of God. He is intimately aware of each person’s situation, and He holds their destinies in His hands. And that is true for us, too.

The Lord’s intentions toward His people are rooted in love and goodness. Despite their current circumstances, God’s ultimate desire is to bring prosperity and well-being to His people. This doesn’t mean that life will be without challenges or that prosperity means you will be wealthy in material things, but it reassures us that God’s ultimate purpose is for our good.

In times of difficulty, hope can be a rare and precious commodity. Here, God promises to provide His people with hope, a confident expectation that He will work all things for their good. He also assures them of a future, a bright and secure outcome beyond their present struggles. This promise extends far beyond the immediate situation of the exiles and is applicable to us today.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans are not limited by our circumstances. Even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity, His purpose prevails. This verse has resonated with countless believers because it speaks to the universal human experience of facing trials, doubts, and fears. It offers assurance that God has a divine plan and purpose for each one of us.

However, it is essential to understand this verse within the broader context of the entire passage. In Jeremiah 29:4-10, God instructs the exiles to build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the city in which they find themselves. He encourages them to live their lives fully, even in a foreign land, and not to lose hope in His promises.

This context is so important in preventing a misinterpretation of Jeremiah 29:11 as a “prosperity gospel” promise, where believers expect a life free from hardship or suffering. Rather, it is a call to trust God’s overarching plan and purpose in our lives, even in the midst of challenges.

As we meditate on the message of Jeremiah 29:11, we are invited to place our trust in God’s wisdom and timing. It encourages us to seek Him diligently, to rely on His promises, and to remember that our ultimate hope lies in Him, not in any particular outcome or circumstance.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse, Jeremiah 29:11:
“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.”

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection.

How do the promises of Jesus help renew your hope when you are feeling down?

Think of a time in your life when God’s plans and promises unfolded in unexpected ways, bringing about blessings and a future filled with hope. How does reflecting on these experiences strengthen your trust in God’s faithfulness and renew your hope for the future now?

How can Jeremiah 29:11 encourage you to trust in God’s timing and plans? How do you hold onto hope in moments of waiting and uncertainty?

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time: Jeremiah 29:11:
“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.”

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for your promises and principles. Sharpen my memory so that I can bring to mind your promises when I am feeling hopeless. When all I see around me are the problems of this world, open my eyes to see your purposes instead. When I don’t understand what is happening in my life, help me remember you understand, and you have a plan to use whatever happens to me to prosper me. I know, Jesus, that your ways are not the world’s ways, and spiritual prosperity is far greater than material wealth. Thank you for listening when I pray. Holy Spirit, press me to seek my Savior, Jesus, every day. And, thank you, Jesus, for walking with me always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, the one who knows the plans for your life. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue to meditate on Biblical hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.