Jeremiah 29:11 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.

The people of Jerusalem were taken captive to Babylon approximately 586 BC. The Babylonians had destroyed the city, The Temple, and the walls surrounding Jerusalem. Most of the nation had forsaken God, and now they felt forsaken of God. I can imagine how the Jews who had to walk the 900 miles away from their city felt – deserted, fearful, discouraged, and hopeless.

The above verse is from a letter (Jeremiah 29:4-14) that God had Jeremiah write to those captives. God is going to give his people a second chance. God has not deserted them. They will live in Babylon for 70 years. They are to build houses and raise families. God tells them to live in peace with the Babylonians. The Babylonians will show them favor. After 70 years they may return to Jerusalem. God turned their captivity into a blessing, as the Levites began teaching the bible in synagogues. They turned away from idolatry and turned to God.

We can apply this verse to ourselves. Do you ever feal deserted, isolated, and fearful? God has not deserted you. He has thoughts of peace, not evil. He uses chastisement and adversity to move us in His direction. When we have these negative feelings, we must rebuke ourselves to look to God (Psalms 42, 43). God will hear our heartfelt prayers!

Jeremiah 29:12-13 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.

GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD! ALWAYS!

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry