What do you believe your future holds? Do you ever think that God has a plan for you specifically – just for you? 

God’s prophets were sent to help Israel stay close to Him.  And as we read the book of Jeremiah in the Bible, we hear God speaking to those people, through Jeremiah.  God is warning them about the results of their terrible sins. 

But then, in the middle of all the warnings, we see the following comment from God, full of compassion and love.

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(NKJV)

 He – God, said that He had plans for them, even with the trials they were currently suffering and would have to expect.  He told them that the plans - the thoughts that He had for them were for peace, a future and a Hope.

 Yes, this passage was written to a specific group of people, but the Bible is clear that God has plans for all His Children, all the people who seek Him.  I believe that the plans He had for Israel are the plans He has for us today.  Plans for peace in our hearts, of a future, and a Hope.

God speaks of peace, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil.”  So, my friend, though you may not be able to see the end of the challenges you’re facing today, God has, for you too - thoughts of peace and not evil, peace and not heaviness, peace and not anxiety. 

God still wants to exchange your fear for peace. and Your heaviness for hope.

Are you looking out the window, and seeing nothing there?
Are you waiting for a miracle to reach you from somewhere?

Are you longing for a sweet release
and wishing for some inner peace
and praying for the pain to cease?

Child,
don’t let those anxious thoughts break through.
Let God’s sweet peace fall over you
as you go to Him in prayer.

 

Diane Gruchow 2025