Jeremiah 29:10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.
Verses 11, 12, and 13 have always filled me with such hope and joy, but verse 10 sure is a conversation stopper, isn’t it? My humanity gets caught up on the reality of seventy years–SEVENTY YEARS–in exile.
Jeremiah 29:11 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 hope and a future.
In His sovereignty, this news is positive because it is truth–this exile won’t be quick as false prophets claim, but there will be an end. And even in exile, even though all that is familiar is far away, God still has a plan for them, He still hears them when they pray, He is still present if they seek Him with all their hearts.
Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Lord, There is so much that I don’t understand, but I trust You. I don’t like the idea of separation, but I recognize that there are things that I do that push me away from You. I don’t like waiting, but I know that my timing and Your timing are not the same. I don’t like pain and heartache, but I know that I am limited by my earthly understanding. Help me to remember that Your thoughts are nothing like my thoughts, and Your ways are far beyond anything I can imagine (Isaiah 55:8). Help me to cling to Your promises. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Have a blessed day.
Again, just what I needed today. God’s timing is perfect. Thank you.