LIGHT OF HOPE AND HELP (3)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE” – Jeremiah 29:11

The LIGHT of HOPE and HELP illuminate hearts with the Expectation of Fulfilment of God’s Thoughts for our Future: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE” (Jer.29:11). Jeremiah 29 was addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away (v.1). He was sent to tell them of God’s Plan of Restoration, and that despite being punished for their sins, He had not forsaken them: “After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I WILL VISIT YOU and PERFORM MY GOOD WORD toward you, and cause you to return to this place” (v.10).

Hope is the desire for and confident expectation of a Positive Future based on God’s Promises. God assured His people that they would be restored. Although this promise primarily applied to the captive Jews, based on God’s unchanging Character, it reflects a general principle of His Grace for those He loves, including Believers in Christ. Parallels of Jeremiah 29:11 occur in the New Covenant. For example, we are confident as Believers that Hope “does not put us to shame” (Rom.5:5); and that all things will work together for our good because we love God and are the called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28). God has a blessed future planned for us! We are not without Hope and Help!

To live with Hope in view involves the following:

Live Above Circumstances: God encouraged these newly exiled people to live fully despite their situation: “Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters – that you may be increased there, and not diminished” (vv. 5-6). Going through tough times, we’re not to throw in the towel; we’re to live, build, thrive, and multiply!

Seek and Pray for Peace and Prosperity: “And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace” (v.7). It’s difficult but not impossible to pray for the good of those who are causing us problems. But we can hardly live in peace or prosper if people around us are in turmoil!

Trust God’s Plan: Despite the fact that their wait for freedom would last 70 long years, God encouraged them to hold on and trust in Him. At the appointed time, their trial ended, and His Visitation and Promises were fulfilled! Now is the time to call upon Him: “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you…” (vv.13-14a).