A Promise

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 a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

This scripture has accompanied me for the past two years. It has provided comfort in the midst of chaos. It has given peace when fear has threatened. It is a promise by THE ONE who is faithful. At a time when trust was broken, and promises shattered...........the one who IS LOVE whispered ever so gently.

But why did Jeremiah speak these words over 2000 years ago? And how is it that they can speak to me TODAY?

God was speaking these words through the prophet to the nation of Judah at a time in which chaos, idolatry and the abomination of sin prevailed. God's chosen people had succumbed to the world, they had turned their hearts away from God. Jeremiah suffered greatly for his Lord, warning and prophesying to God's chosen people to turn back to their Father or face very dire consequences. They refused to hear and were taken into captivity by their enemies. And yet, over and over again, Jeremiah shared the good news of God's mercy and grace and compassion. Promises of restoration. Promises of forgiveness. Promises of mercy. Promises of reconciliation.

Jerusalem would fall. And the promises would come to fulfillment in a new covenant. The death and resurrection of our Savior.

How great is our God! Whose mercy and grace endure. How great is our God! Who is faithful even unto death.

The personal trials which I have encountered seem almost trivial compared to that described in Jeremiah. And yet.......I must ask of myself the obvious...have there been false idols in my life? Relationships or other things more important than my walk with the Lord? Where is the sin in my life? Search me, oh God....and lead me in the way everlasting.

My Father has promised me hope and a future. I have found it in my Jesus. Our Father has offered to you this same promise.