“For I know the plans I have for you”  — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
‭‭(Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬, ‭CSB‬‬)

This is a favorite verse for a lot of people, and it certainly sounds very hopeful and comforting. But I’ve heard other people say that it isn’t meant for them. They say it was only written to provide hope for the ancient Israelites when they were in exile and feeling bereft and abandoned.

So, does this verse apply to me or not?

It’s an important question. If this verse doesn’t apply to me, does any of the Bible apply to me? It is an ancient text written for an ancient audience after all.

But the Bible is also “God-breathed” which means He sent its message to all His children — past and future — through the authors He selected. God doesn’t change. His character and His hopes for His children don’t change. He is disappointed when I sin. But He is as forgiving today as He was when this verse was written.

No matter what dire straits I find myself in, the same God written about in the Bible is ready to provide hope for my salvation when I turn to Him today.

Dear God,

Thank you for your consistent hope and everlasting promises. I am so relieved that you love me and are ready and willing to forgive me and heal me today so I can look forward to a bright future tomorrow.