"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Jeremiah 29:11-13

 May 10

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:11-13 (RSV)

In hard circumstances, it may appear as though God has forgotten us. But God may be preparing us, as he did the people of Judah, for new beginnings with God at the center. Jeremiah tells us that, according to God's plan, all the Lord's people will have a promising future and real hope, in due season. Therefore, we can always call on God in confidence any time or place. Although the exiles of Israel Jeremiah spoke to were in a difficult place and time, they didn't need to despair because they had God's presence, the privilege of prayer, and God's Grace. If we seek the Lord in any time, circumstance, or place, he can and will be found! Neither a strange land, sorrow, exile, persecution, nor physical problems can break our bond with God or interfere with his love for us.

We're all encouraged by leadership with a vision for the future that motivates us to move ahead with hope. We all need someone who believes in us and believes we can do the tasks necessary for our good and the good of others. We all need someone who will walk with us all the way in hard journeys in uncertain times. God is that kind of leader. Our Lord knows the future! His ultimate plans for us are always good while offering hope. As long as God, who knows the future, provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill our mission, we can have boundless hope. This does not mean we will be spared pain, suffering, or hardship, but that God will see us through any and all painful circumstances to a victorious future.

Prayer: God of all Hope, Grant me the courage to seek you with all my heart and soul in discouraging times. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: God's perfect plan for our lives will only be realized when we follow our Lord's guidance

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)