Light Thoughts
January 24, 2012
Jeremiah 29:11
One of my earliest memories of Bible verses that I memorized was Jeremiah 29:11. We were encouraged by our pastor Dr. Oesch to learn this verse and keep it in mind as we went through the days of our lives. So, for my first installment of Light Thoughts, I would like you to read that verse in your favorite Bible version. Then, I would like you to read it in at least four other versions. If you do not have that many in your home, you can go to websites like, www.BibleGateway.com, or www.crosswalk.com to access more.
From the NIV this is how it reads "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."
So what does this verse tell us? Before He created you, He had a plan for you. My Interlinear Bible translates the first part of the verse this way, "For I know the purposes which I am purposing for you". This simply tells me that when I was created, He had a purpose (plan) for my life. We are not born just because. We were not created to "ride the pine' as they say in basketball of those who are just bench warmers. We were not created just to take up air. We all have a reason for being here. What is your reason? What is His plan for your life? What is it He wants you to do? This is where it gets interesting. It is up to you to find out. I cannot tell you. Your pastor cannot tell you. Your parents cannot tell you. You have to seek Him to find out. Will you get it right all the time? Probably not. However, His plan does not change; He just wants you to keep looking and searching and let Him lead you.
Now, do not let the last part of this verse mess with you. "To prosper" is not to be made rich in the eyes of the world or to be prosperous in our human mind, but to be complete. The Hebrew word here for prosper is shalom which is simply peace. It means to know God (Jehovah) so much that there is completeness in your life and that completeness brings peace. With godly peace, you will be able to see that what happens in your future is not for harm, but for hope.
Are you fully surrendered to Him that you can say, "Not my will, but Yours be done"?
Your District Shepherd,
J Bret Metcalfe
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