Reflections from Jeremiah 29

Today I came across my favorite Bible verses when I opened my Bible Gateway app. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."   

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Over the years I have found these verses to be a good reminder for me that God is in control.  

Lately I have been finding it difficult to seek God with all my heart. I love Him and want to place Him first but it has been too easy to push time with God to the side. Today these verses reminded me of the importance of seeking Him everyday.

After reading these verses I wanted to know the context, so I read Jeremiah 29:1-23. Jeremiah is writing to exiles in Babylon communicating God's promise to restore them to their homeland after seventy years. In verses 4-7 God tells the people to be fruitful where they are and to "pray to the LORD on its (the city's) behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." He also warns the people not to be deceived by the prophets and diviners who prophecy lies in His name.

Last night I was thinking about the political turmoil in our country and was faced with fear over the direction our country could take and concern about how some people are joing bandwagons of candidates and letting emotions stirred by the candidates cloud their judgement.  

In light of these thoughts the verses reminded me once again that God is in control.  They also reminded me of the importance of praying on behalf of our country. My welfare is tied to the welfare of our country, but I do not need to fear the future.  

Father, as I seek to draw closer to you, give me your heart for our country.