He Who Governs Your Life, Governs the World, Too.
Reflections on the Inauguration and Jeremiah 29.
I was reading and reflecting on Jeremiah 29 recently. Most are familiar with verse 11, “for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11). You probably read this on a graduation card you received or at some celebratory, joyous moment in time. Which is okay, it is a beautiful, life-giving, true verse.
However, if you read the verses leading up to verse 11, we learn that God’s people were in exile in Babylon. What that means is they were taken from their homeland, families, loved ones and the world they knew, and were under foreign occupation in a land they did not know.
Can you imagine the confusion, despair, hopelessness they rightfully felt? How can God allow this to happen to His people?
Sometimes the events of the world and the course of our lives do not happen the way we plan or hope. But, the beauty of Jeremiah 29 is that even in the midst of the calamity, confusion and despair, God comforts his people by assuring them that He governs over all the events of the world. Their Babylonian captors have control but they are not in control.
Hence, Jeremiah 29:11.
The LORD says to his people in Babylon, and to you, too: “…For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.”
It does not matter how dark or bleak things may look—and they do look dark and bleak—God’s comfort applies to you and me today. He knows the plans he has for you personally. He knows your future and mine, too. He knows the plans and future of this country, and the world at large.
Presidents come and go. They do have power but they are not in power. They have control, but are not in control of the events of the world.
Don’t read this as a deflective “punt” reflection that disregards the reality of what is happening. I believe the gospel is the only thing that allows us to honestly face whatever is before us yet not allow us to be overcome by it.
Instead, I hope this reminder grounds someone who is in despair. Grieve, yes, but not as one who has no hope.
Let the truth of God gird and anchor you amid the chaos and uncertainty of today and the days to come. Jesus got up from the dead, you and I will be okay.
Be encouraged, friends!
-SH
Great word, Pastor Sam!