Through the Bible: JeremiahSample

Choosing to Hope in God

I, the Lord, the God of Israel, warn you not to let yourselves be deceived by the prophets who live among you or by any others who claim they can predict the future. Do not pay any attention to their dreams … I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.

Jeremiah 29:8,11 (GNT)

God’s people in the Kingdom of Judah continually disobeyed Him and refused to trust in His deliverance. As a result, King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, taking a number of exiles back to Babylonia. The prophet Jeremiah wrote to those in exile.

Jeremiah wrote: despite their disobedience, God’s mercy and grace persisted. He offered new hope to them. But it was their choice. Either follow the so-called prophets whose prophecies had already failed before and during Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion, or turn back to the Lord and believe His plans to bring about the future they hoped for. Some turned back. Others did not. God’s Word eventually came to pass.

We are faced with the same choice daily when we are bombarded with claims about the future from the world around us. When the world looks bleak, and the worldly voices tell us to trust in so-and-so – will we follow them, or will we hold fast to God’s promises? Let us continue placing our hope in God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are merciful and gracious. Thank You for giving us hope, and for the wonderful plans You have for us. We gratefully receive. Help us follow faithfully. In Jesus' name, Amen.