Where's My Future Going?

Jeremiah 29:11 is probably up there with one of the most referenced scriptures. It fills us with hope and can help lift a downtrodden spirit. But what is the whole picture of this passage?

Jeremiah 29: 10-14 says "This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

This whole concept actually reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. To everything there is a season. God is saying to Israel, who have been exiled due to their disobedience, that He has good plans for them. However, they must first finish the 70 years of captivity (verse 10), and then God mentions the good to come (verse11).

God always has good in mind for us. He never sets out to plot evil against us or lay traps. Our disobedience is what can cause plans to be put on hold because there are consequences to sin. God’s forgiveness cleanses us, but doesn’t always mean we won’t bear any responsibilities for our actions. If that were always true, there really would be no reason not to do wrong. Paul also talks about this in Romans. God has given us grace in light of sin, but that doesn’t mean we sin more to experience more grace either. (Romans 6:1-4)

Looking back at verse 11, God does have a plan for us and a future filled with hope. Nonetheless, how can I know God’s plan for my individual future? Looking at verse 13 I think is crucial. “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” There is an “if” clause in that statement which means it’s not an automatic thing or a given without action. Our answer comes by searching for Him, spending time with Him, getting to know Him, having a relationship with Him. The more I get to know Him the more He will reveal things to me. It’s no different than having an acquaintance versus a best friend. You don’t share your heart with acquaintances, you share your heart with a close or best friend. You don’t share secrets with an acquaintance, you share them with a close friend who is trustworthy. The more time we spend with Him, the more He will reveal.

Maybe sometimes we feel so confused about choices for our future and where God is leading us because we have been looking solely for answers, but not looking for Him. He has all the answers, but I believe God doesn’t want us to see Him as a genie or guru. He doesn’t want us to only acknowledge and run to Him with complicated dilemmas, scenarios, or problems. God wants to be who we constantly have intimate communion with daily. He above all desires a relationship with us versus a contract or business deal. James 4:8 says Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

Finally, I think about Matthew 6:33 actually fitting with Jeremiah 29:11-14 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Seek God first, seek what He says is important first, live how He’s directed and He will take care of you.