Peace and Hope

God’s perfect plan means we can have peace and hope instead of fear and uncertainty.

“For I know the plans I have for you … plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. […] You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.”—Jeremiah 29:11, 13 CSB

As they went into exile, many of God’s people were filled with fear. Yet God reassured them that He was already looking ahead to their restoration. Instead of being afraid or worried, God wanted them to go on with their lives, build houses, plant gardens, marry, and have children to “multiply there; do not decrease” (v. 6).

Babylon had been their adversary, but God wanted them to have a change of attitude. They were to seek the peace of their new home and pray for it, even though it was Babylon.

He promised that He knew where they were going. He had not abandoned them; He would give them “a future and a hope.” Especially in exile, He encouraged them to call upon Him, promising to listen, but there was a condition: They had to seek Him with their whole hearts.

God’s words of comfort and assurance are still true. We can look at our lives and see uncertainty, confusion, doubt, and hopelessness. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but God does.

He loves us so much and knows the plans He has for us to give us hope and a future. What is our role? To seek Him wholeheartedly.

Pray for your city, your country, and your leaders. Commit to seeking God with your whole heart! Expect His best!

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer for the leaders of our country.