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“For I know the plans I have for you…” Jeremiah 29:11-13

As the school year begins I have connected with numerous students, staff and faculty, who for various reasons have a high level of stress in their lives right now. Some of it is valid and predictable; some have unknown causes. But for whatever reason many are feeling stress to the point of panic mode for some. For this I am so sorry.

I thought of my verse for today yesterday at lunch as I was thinking about stress and anxiety. I was reminded that Jeremiah wrote to God’s people while they were in Babylonian captivity with this message of hope and assurance. And I offer it to all who are stressed and anxious.
God says, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” I believe the same holds true today. His plans may not always be my plans, but they are sure. I may not feel in danger of physical harm but I may feel in harm’s way financially, or socially, or emotionally. I may be feeling like my security and stability are in jeopardy and that everything might be torn out from under me. If I do God says, “ I know the plans I have for you.” I may not know the future but God does and His plans are to “give me hope and a future.” It may not look like it does right now but it IS still secure in Him.

I like verse 11 that is quoted so often; I like even more verses 12-13. THIS is where my hope comes from. This is where I find strength and stability in the storms of life. “You will call on Me and I WILL answer you. You will seek Me and find Me. When you seek Me with all your heart I WILL be found by you.” He WILL answer; I WILL find Him.” It all happens when I “seek Him with all my heart.” So to all who are sensing anxiety and stress I highly recommend some quiet prayerful time with Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Have a great day seeking Him with all your heart. The results are amazing,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day.”

PS Our IRR students left this morning for Malawi, Africa where they will spend the next 4 months learning and growing as they serve God’s children in that part of the world. I got up to wish them a safe trip and to pray with them. THAT’S why I’m up so early writing GMU!!