This is a scripture that we see written on graduation cards and sometimes birth announcements. It’s a wonderful hope filled scripture for a individuals embarking on the next phase of life. I love this scripture and also write it on graduation cards and birth announcements. Jeremiah 29:11 follows Jeremiah 29:10, however, which reads: thus says the Lord, when 70 years of captivity are completed for Babylon,…

Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet because he was taxed with the task of telling the Israelites some things they were not wanting to hear. To tell them of the wrath that was going to be done because of their stiff necked, hard hearted and unrepentant selves. The Israelites did not like what he had to say. They blamed Jeremiah for their plans not being blessed by God. They failed to see that is was their actions that caused their consequences. Jeremiah would weep and lament over the consequences that his people were going to suffer because he was given the oracles by God. Jeremiah new that they were going to be enslaved by the Babylonians, God even told him how long and what the outcome was going to be. The rest of 29:10 states: …I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you a promise and bring you back to this place. Then the famous 29:11- for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

This scripture is meant to give hope, to remind us of God’s faithfulness even when we are not faithful. God’s promises can be counted on. We aren’t given a specific timeline like the Israelites were for their captivity in Babylon. If I’m honest, I don’t think that would have been very helpful or hopeful. When I’m going through a tough season, I don’t want to hear; “just 70 years and this will all be over”. I want to know my rescue is now!

We don’t have to wait to hear from God through a prophet anymore. We can be guided and directed through and by the Holy Spirit. When Jesus came and died he told us that this had to happen so that the Helper would be sent by His Father so that we would know the truth and have the power to obey the commandments. (John 14: 15-21). If we love him, we will want to obey him; and we now, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, have the power and grace to obey because His spirit lives in us. This does not mean we do not sin, there was only one who was without sin! But it means when we do, we have the power to own it and not blame others, ask for forgiveness, and then ask for the help and guidance to change and do better!

I have lived outside of the will of God, like the Israelites did so many times in the Old Testament. I have sinned and blamed others for my consequences. I can attest that doing it God’s way is easier, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct me is the better way; and reading His Word helps me to know His heart so that I won’t be deceived.