KNOWN PLANS

 Jeremiah 29:11-13               

"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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV

I confess I worry about our future as a nation. Not because of the flawed leaders in power, but because of how the people are responding in a time when we need unity. I wonder how the Israelites truly felt being exiled in Babylon. Their focus must have been on deliverance, on simply getting past their current, horrible state of expulsion.

I imagine they attacked each other with words as they wrestled with their discomfort and fear. Sound familiar? Then along came Jeremiah to share hope with God's people. "God has a plan, and it's for your good," he told them. Yet before he proclaims their future security, he says this: "Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare."

Maybe you woke up after the election feeling like a stranger in a strange land. We've not been exiled, but perhaps the state of the country we love leaves us feeling as though we ve been banished to an uncomfortable place. The words of the prophet Jeremiah are as relevant for us today as they were for the Israelites in Babylon many years ago. Work for peace and pray. Because the welfare of this nation will determine our own. God does have a plan to give us and our families hope and a bright future.

But how we respond in the midst of the mess will determine whether or not we get to walk into it. When we seek God with our whole heart, with our thoughts and words and action, we will find Him, and He will reveal everything we need to thrive in the chaos. Let us remember with man it is impossible. but with God all things are possible!!!

Father, thank You for this day and the breath of life that is found in Your Word. Lord, let Your abundant blessings pour out over us and our family today. Lord, thank You for securing our future and our hope. We leave every fear and concern with You today. The Lord shows us how to thrive even when life gets messy. Lord, turn our eyes and our ears away from the chatter of the world and toward You. Lord, hear our prayers as we seek peace and unity for our nation, as we follow You with our whole heart. Lead us in how to effectively share Your truth with the world. Lord, use us to be a light that leads others to You out of the darkness of this world.

Father, we love You. Amen.