Only Good

"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

These thoughts were given to the Jews that had been taken to Babylon in 597 B.C. to exhort them to live as normal a life as possible, to await God's deliverance after 70 years of captivity.  

Can you imagine the reassurance that God had given to these people? God promised them that even though they were going through captivity, He had a purpose and a plan for them and that He would make good on His promises for a better future.

I love that.

Sometimes when I'm going through a tough time, I wonder why? But then God reminds me that things may be tough right now, but things will get better. He promises! He has a plan and a purpose for my life.

His plans are not evil; His plans are peace that will produce an 'unexpected end.' That means that God has a future and a hope just for me, and as a child of God, you do too.

I had some heartbreaking news yesterday, and the disappointed is so great that I have no words to describe it.  Plans that have been in the making for months and just days of coming to pass were suddenly cancelled. A great disappointment of temporal things.

I'm reminded that there is only one thing that is constant in my temporal life on earth, and that is Jesus Christ.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He never changes.  His Word never changes; His promises never change!

On my best day, I'm a child of God...

    On my worst day, I'm a child of God...

        And His promises for good towards me, never change...

            But that's just me!

"The LORD has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures."

verse 4, Amazing Grace, John Newton 1779