Jeremiah 29 is a letter to the captives that King Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon. Directed to the Jewish leaders, the letter is meant to give them hope and reassure them that no matter the circumstances they find themselves in, God is in control of it.

There may be times in our lives when we find ourselves captive. It may not be physical, but perhaps we find ourselves captive to our own thoughts. Emotions of fear and anxiety can take control of our lives, pushing us around and making us feel hopeless and afraid. I found myself in this position when I was finishing high school, and everyone around me was asking, “Where to next?” or “What major are you thinking about?” Harmless questions on the surface, but inside the anxiety and fear of not knowing what I wanted to do pushed me into a state of worry. One day I stumbled upon Jeremiah 29:11, and the words, “For I know the plans I have for you” gave me the hope that whatever path I took, whatever curve life threw at me I was and am confident that God is the one in control.

The Jewish leaders saw where they were, and began to think that God had abandoned them. They wondered if the state they found themselves in was God’s judgment on their past sins. It can be easy for us to think that God is against us, that he is punishing us for our past mistakes. Jeremiah 29:11 further assures us that his plans are for our good and not for evil. Plans that he sets to give us hope. We might not know the outcome of the problems in our lives, but God does, and if we keep our faith in Him then we need not worry.

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, I know that I will go through rough patches in my life, times where I find myself captive by my fears and anxieties. But I know that you are in control, and you will lead me out of those hard places. I thank you for that promise of hope that you give me. In Jesus’ name, Amen

1.    Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Diego B. Student at Biola University.