Thoughts of peace and not of evil

Thoughts of peace and not of evil

Scripture:- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD Jeremiah 29:11-14a

Observation:- Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the Bible’s most beloved verses and embodies the thoughts of our great and loving God. As is written, the Lord thinks about us, and his thoughts are thoughts of peace, not evil, and He desires us to have a hope and a future. This does not mean that all in life will be smooth sailing and a bed of roses. Even Jesus Himself and His disciples endured very difficult times as they served God, but despite everything that happened, they always had that firm confidence that God loved them and was with them through everything, even death.

The second part is a promise for us, that if we call upon God, and pray to God, He will listen to us. If we seek Him, with all our heart, He will let us find Him. Deep in each person’s heart is a desire to seek God and to know God. The things of the world may come to the forefront, and distract her for a while, but in the quietness, if we truly reflect within ourselves, we will find that we are looking for God. It is in our nature, as beings specially created in God’s image.

Perhaps some of us are in a bad situation, when calamity and misfortune seems to be upon us. Can we still believe that the Lord’s thought are upon us for peace and a future? Can we still believe God’s Word is true? This is where faith comes in, to see beyond the physical but into the future, like Abraham who believed God for a son through Sarah, like Noah who believed God would send the Flood, like Job who refused to forsake God even when every calamity imaginable had struck him.

Application:- Praise God for His thoughts of peace and goodness to us. Submit our future to God who makes all things work together for those who love Him. Be quiet and seek God with all our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for Your loving kindness and faithfulness towards me. I entrust my future to Your hands O Lord. I seek You in the morning, dear Lord. Reveal Yourself to me, I pray. In Jesus name, Amen