For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29: 11
If you know this verse then you know it well. It seems to be a verse many Christians cling to as they go through trials and difficult times. It certainly was for me. Recently I decided to take a look at the entire chapter. I wondered who it was meant for and why.
It turns out this gorgeous verse was meant for an entire nation upon entering 70 years of exile; yet we memorize it to help us get through a day! I can’t even comprehend waiting on God for 70 years. I just can’t.
The context of this verse teaches us that God’s timing is not our timing. The outcome of His plans are not meant to fulfill our expectations but rather our purpose.
Perhaps you’ve been feeling lost in exile and you’re trying to find yourself, you need to find God. He is there. He was with the Israelites as they endured 70 years in exile and He’s with you right now too. In fact He’s listening. In the verses that follow, God leaves us with a couple of action steps; pray and look.
In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” ~~Jeremiah 29: 12-14
I wonder how much hope for a future can come to fruition without sincere prayer? God desires to have a relationship with us, that’s why He created us in His own image. He wants us to pray and look to see where He’s already working in our lives.
Reading the Bible is very important but it’s not a substitute or the only means of communication with God. Start your day with silent prayer giving God a chance to speak to you. Ask Him if there’s anything He’d like to share with you today. It may help you to find His rhythm, in your random.
Pray, He will listen.
Look for Him wholeheartedly, He will be found.
The result: He will bring us out of it, He will bring us home.
I hope this helps you to find the rhythm in the random of your day today.
In the Potter’s hand,
Chantal Dube