Day 2 - 40 Days of HOPE

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of HOPE
Day  2 |  GOD GIVES US HOPE
GOD GIVES US HOPE

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.’”
(NIV)

What a fantastic promise God gives us here.  Now, it’s important to remember that although the words in the Old Testament were not written TO us, they were written FOR us and for our benefit.

This encouraging word from the Lord to His people took place when the Israelites were captives in Babylon. They were discouraged, frustrated, and in captivity.  Yet, God encouraged them by pointing to a prosperous and hopeful future.

Are you stuck in a dark place right now? Has fear, doubt, or worry gripped you so tightly that you think you may never escape?

Then these words are for YOU!

As a Child of God, HE has a good plan for you!  It may not show itself tomorrow, but it is coming!

Webster’s dictionary says HOPE is: “Desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment. Someone or something on which hopes are centered.”  Synonyms include: “anticipate, await, expect, watch for.”

God’s people must have been ENCOURAGED at these words spoken by Jeremiah the Prophet while they were in the midst of their “bad days” in Babylon.  And isn’t that just like our loving Heavenly Father… to encourage us when we need it the most?

What’s happening in your life – right now – that needs some HOPE?  Listen to these words again, and imagine that the LORD God of the universe is speaking them to YOU:
“‘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.’”

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for not forgetting me. Thank YOU for this fantastic, hopeful promise.  Help me daily to lean into You more closely and wait upon You and Your timing to fulfill this verse in my life. Amen.