This Time: A Study of Jeremiah 29:11 by SweetToTheSoul

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• The Perception of Time ·

introduction are facing our own trials.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Sadly, very often this Bible verse is completely misapplied to our situations. Not to mention the translations which substitute “thoughts of peace” with “plans to prosper you” and the subsequent misapplication of prosperity.

Jeremiah 29:11

I took a deep breath, inhaling from a world which was warm and comfortable. But in the very next moment, I exhaled into a world of utter chaos and unknown. Life as I knew it had just imploded all around me and my family.

If not careful, we can tend to approach Jeremiah 29:11 as a security blanket. Inferring it to mean something that is does not actually mean, like “God has a plan for me that is good, so clearly this suffering I’m going through will end soon and my flourishing will begin.”

Time. It’s a funny thing, our perception of time. As we watch our children graduate from school, it can seem as though with a blink of the eye they went from babies cradled in our arms to young adults wanting to spread their wings and fly. On the other hand, as we are waiting for that phone call from the doctor with test results, a mere 24 hours can seem like an eternity.

Umm. Not exactly. As with any scripture, it can be dangerous to extract a single verse, not considering it’s right meaning in context of the chapter or book which it is included, or relative to the entirety of God’s Word.

Time.

“This Time” will take you on a deeper journey of this popular scripture to understand what Jeremiah was actually saying to the people of Israel in his letter and learn if it holds a promise for us today.

In those times when our world shifts on its axis, we turn to the scriptures for comfort and God’s reassurances – and rightly so. God longs to spend time with us on easy days, but He especially calls us to come to him in the midst of the storms.

by Jana Kennedy Spicer

One scripture that Christians take great comfort in is Jeremiah 29:11. It is a popular scripture we can find printed on everything from t-shirts and cups to graduation announcements and cards of encouragement. We quote it to a friend in a trial and we cling to it when we

for i know the plans i have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. jeremiah 29:11

CONTENTS

04 TH I S TI M E I N C O N T E X T 05 TH I S TI M E I S F R O M G O D 09 TH I S TI M E W I LL LA S T A W H I LE 1 6 TH I S TI M E W I LL O N LY B E R E S O LV E D B Y G O D 2 2 TH I S TI M E B R I N G S H O P E

every one of you, from his evil way and evil deeds, and dwell upon the land that the Lord has given you and your fathers from of old and forever. Do not go after other gods to serve and worship them, or provoke me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do no harm.” Jeremiah 25:3-7

• Jeremiah’s Letter To The Exiles ·

THIS TIME IN CONTEXT

Flash forward, the Israelites do not heed Jeremiah’s warnings and God does indeed execute his wrath upon the people. Jerusalem is overrun and the people are taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar and relocated out of their homeland and into Babylon. [Read the book of Daniel for insight to what this time was like.] I cannot even imagine being in that situation, taken from the only home I have ever known to be held captive in a foreign country. But I have found myself suddenly thrust into unknown and often unfriendly territory as life’s circumstances uprooted me from my familiar, warm and cozy comfort zone. Sometimes as a result of my own choices and rebellion, just like the people of God; but sometimes by no action or fault of my own.

"They [the inhabitants of Jerusalem] have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant that I made with their fathers. Therefore, thus says the LORD, Behold I am bringing disaster upon them that they cannot escape.”

Let’s face it, many of us are there right now. Maybe you’re reading this today because our focus scripture grabbed your attention and you are looking for that hope Jeremiah 29:11 says Gods wants you to have. Let me reassure you friend, God does offer us hope, a hope like none other.

Jeremiah 11:10-11a

This letter Jeremiah pens in chapter 29, is God’s message to the exiles, meant to provide comfort and the reassurance that God will deliver them. God was punishing His people, but He was not abandoning them. They would get to come home, eventually.

Here is what was going on at the time Jeremiah gave us what would end up being one of the most quoted scriptures in the Bible. It is almost 600 years before Christ will appear and the people of Israel and Judah have continued to live in rebellion of God; they are worshiping false idols and following false teachers. God called Jeremiah as His prophet to warn the people about the consequences of their actions.

While they were waiting for this deliverance, God sent them a message of hope.

“For 23 years ... the Word of the Lord has come to me, and I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened. You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the Lord persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets saying, “Turn now,

• God is Always in Control ·

this time is from god “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:” Jeremiah 29:4

Right off, Jeremiah lets the exiles know that God is not only fully aware of their situation; it didn’t even surprise Him. He orchestrated it.

there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:6-7

What we are witnessing are the consequences of God’s chosen peoples actions. Consequences which God himself has set in motion.

God’s ultimate goal with the exiles was not to harm them, but to bring them to repentance, to turn them from their idols and bring them home safely.

God was then, is still now, and forever will be in control.

we falsely assume that because we have no control over circumstances, god has no control.

Just as for the exiles and for every person since Adam and Eve, there is nothing that comes our way that catches God off guard. Every situation in our lives is within His control and is used to bring about a specific result to accomplish a specific purpose. Even though we have limited sight into the breadth of our lives, God can see the full span of our lives, from inception to death, in a single glance.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary explains it this way: “It will be the bringing to pass of God’s good word to them. This shall form God’s purposes. We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an uncertainty. We are sometimes ready to fear that God’s designs are all against us; but as to his own people, even that which seems evil, is for good.”

We falsely assume that because we have no control, God also has no control. We can assume that because we do not see the resolution, that God has no resolution. We place our limitations on God, the very God of the universe who created and controls all things. “That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me: I am the Lord, and

READ Read today’s scripture in various translations. Write out the scripture, underlining and circling the words or phrases which stand out to you.

REFLECT Notate what your study resources teach you about today’s scriptures.

RELATE How can what you have learned today be applied to you specifically?

PLAN Write out your plan of action, be specific and intentional.

REMEMBER What does God want you to remember about today’s scripture section?

PRAY Write our your personal prayer.

• Build - Live - Survive - Grow ·

this time will last “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:5-7 From the beginning of Jeremiah’s letter, he is very direct about God’s message, basically telling the exiles “settle in folks, you’re going to be here awhile.”

we learn in verse 10. Their exile was not going to be remedied quickly, it was going to last multiple generations so they needed to: 1. LEARN TO LIVE IN IT – this is your new normal for a time, accept it, do not bemoan the past

Babylon was going to be their home for a long time, 70 years to be exact,

The false prophets among them were telling everyone their exile would only last a couple of years. Jeremiah would tell them God said it was going to last 70 years. That meant for some, captivity would last the entirity of their lives.

Our new normal may never return to our old normal. And even if it does on some levels, will we return to our old selves? How can we not be changed by a change in our circumstances? Will we grow, or will we wither?

Their normal was forever changed. There was no other choice than to live in it.

4. FIND PEACE WITH IT– be content, do not be complaining or become disgruntled

2. SURVIVE THROUGH IT – plant, nurture, grow, don’t stop living and wither

What was required of them was patient acceptance of their present circumstances. Bemoaning their past and complaining about their present would serve no purpose. It would not affect their situation.

The exiles were told to plant and harvest. To grow their families. This is encouraging because often when our world changes and we face a new normal, we can view it as an ending. We can so deeply trap ourselves in the grief of what was that we are unable to shift our view point to see what is.

“..for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and i know how to abound. In any and all circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hund, abundance and need. I can do all thing through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

We can’t live in the past and live in the present at the same time.

what is required from us is: patient acceptance of our present circumstances

Welcome to your new normal, make yourself comfortable. This is your life now. I have a friend who is moving in to her new normal as a widowed mother of two. My mother is trying to adjust to her new normal of increased physical limitations due to declining health. My new normal? Has changed many times over that last several years.

3. GROW WITHIN IT – learn what you couldn’t have learned without it, teach others

Just now we all are facing a new normal of limitations which we know will be temporary. Only weeks. Can you image the people of Israel being told upfront their new normal would last generations? To be told that God would restore them, but it would be their grandchildren who lived to see it, not themselves.

In our “Storms” study, Lisa Appelo tells us, “There are some lessons we can only learn in a storm.” A change in our direction, even into uncharted territory, will open up new opportunities to learn what our previous position would not teach.

In our day, just as with Paul, we too can do all these things through Christ who strengthens us.

The exiles were told to multiply during this time. They were told to live in a way that benefited Babylon. This was their home now, and when their society benefited, they too would benefit.

READ Read today’s scripture in various translations. Write out the scripture, underlining and circling the words or phrases which stand out to you.

REFLECT Notate what your study resources teach you about today’s scriptures.

RELATE How can what you have learned today be applied to you specifically?

PLAN Write out your plan of action, be specific and intentional.

REMEMBER What does God want you to remember about today’s scripture section?

PRAY Write our your personal prayer.

l l a o d n a c i u r h t s g n i h - t ist r h -c 14

E M I T S I TH LY BE N O L WIL SOLVED RE OD G Y B

“For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord. For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you...” Jeremiah 29:8-11a Am I the only one that likes to be in control?

I can have a difficult time waiting for God’s resolution. Maybe the exiles were a bit the same. Maybe they were forming plans to try to return to their past normal. We know they were being influenced by false teachers.

Something shifts and circumstances change, and I want to fix it. I want to find a solution, correct the issue and get back to normal. I want to engage others which can help achieve my purpose.

There is a warning for the exiles here that is a warning for us as well: Others among

them were spreading false teachings, claiming they were messengers from the Lord.

and with great authority, “THEY don’t know when you will go back home, I AM THE ONE who knows the plans I have for you!”

“And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. Therefore, thus says the Lord: Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the Lord.” Jeremiah 28:18-19

In our present time, misinformation is all around us. Everyone with a voice seems to be speaking at us, touting their opinions as truth. We find ourselves in the age of “my truth” which really has nothing to do with truth at all. Rather, it means ‘because I choose to believe it, it is true’. Which is opposite of what God tells us. His Word – The Bible – IS our standard of truth. It does not require our consensus or validation to be true.

Many of these false prophets went into exile with them and were promising a quick return to Israel – which is exactly what the exiles wanted to hear, this is the resolution they desired.

Instead of seeking out teachers who tell us what we want to hear, we need to ground ourselves with the truth of God’s Word.

If we are more focused on what we want than what God wants, it becomes easy for us to listen to those who are speaking the message we want to hear.

Instead of attempting to alter the meaning of the scriptures to support “my truth” we need to alter our opinions and beliefs based on Biblical truth.

The enemy uses these false teachers to temp us with what we want to hear and lure us away from God’s message of truth which is what we need to hear. “For a time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” 2 Timothy 4:3

the enemy uses false teachers to tempt us with what we want to hear and lure us away from GOD's message of truth which is what we need to hear.

Jeremiah is passing along God’s message to the exiles (and to us) for them to not seek out others who offer solutions for their present circumstances. Likewise, they should be aware of others who say they have a solution because they do not. God is very specific in saying that He is the only solution. When we read the first part of verse 11 in context at the end of verses 8-10, we can see clearly that God is telling us that HE is the only one who knows what is in the future for the exiles, not the false teachers among them. I can almost hear the words spoken heavily

READ Read today’s scripture in various translations. Write out the scripture, underlining and circling the words or phrases which stand out to you.

REFLECT Notate what your study resources teach you about today’s scriptures.

RELATE How can what you have learned today be applied to you specifically?

PLAN Write out your plan of action, be specific and intentional.

REMEMBER What does God want you to remember about today’s scripture section?

PRAY Write our your personal prayer.

digging deeper Truth of Scripture 1. All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 2. No prophesy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophesy was ever produced by the will of men, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21 3. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32 4. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refue in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6 5. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. 1 Timothy 6:3-4a 6. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17

False Teaching 1. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak vision of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. Jeremiah 23:16 2. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 3. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24 4. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 5. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are favenous wolves. Matthew 7:15 6. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations. They shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 13:9

d o g e h t y ma l l i f e p o h f o y o j h t i w u o y

• Our Hope is the Promise of Salvation ·

this time brings hope He also planned their deliverance, their restoration. Just as He does for us.

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. Jeremiah 29:11

God’s ultimate goal with the exiles was not to harm the nation of Israel, but to bring them to repentance, to turn them from their idols and bring them home safely. Just as He does for us.

I try to look for the positive in most situations; I try to ‘believe the best before I assume the worst’. But when my happy gets bumped too hard and things begin to look bleak, it becomes tempting to focus on the negative and to fear the worst. Or I might conceive the outcome that I desire, including wanting my new normal to get back to my old normal and quickly.

It would, however, come about in His desired timeframe. God’s expected end was to work something for good in their lives and something good for His Kingdom. Just as He does for us. Does this also apply to our present circumstances?

But God already has an end solution in mind. Before God sent the Israelites into exile in Babylon, He had already worked out the resolution, He had a plan.

This scripture is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship or suffering. Nor does it mean we will have material comfort or privilege in this life. But rather it is a promise that God has a plan for our lives regardless of our present circumstances; and it is not for our destruction but for our wellbeing.

Think about that. They had rebelled. They had replaced Him with idols and false teachers. Yes, He planned their punishment (their exile) but

How can we know this? The same way the exiles did: not by observing our present condition but by the truth of the Word of God. That means our plans may evaporate, our dreams may never materialize; but if we are in Christ, the God who raised Jesus from the dead will raise us up with Him. That is our hope. That is our salvation. Author and Bible Teacher Mary DeMuth says, “Yes, of course, God knows the plans He has for us. And ultimately He will give us a glorious future. But as we walk out our lives on this crazy earth, let’s remember that the best growth comes through persevering through trials, not escaping them entirely. And when we learn perseverance, we find surprising joy.”

READ Read today’s scripture in various translations. Write out the scripture, underlining and circling the words or phrases which stand out to you.

REFLECT Notate what your study resources teach you about today’s scriptures.

RELATE How can what you have learned today be applied to you specifically?

PLAN Write out your plan of action, be specific and intentional.

REMEMBER What does God want you to remember about today’s scripture section?

PRAY Write our your personal prayer.

do you know jesus ? God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins and bring us into a relationship with Him. Through Christ, we can know the promise of eternal life and experience the joy of knowing God here on earth! If you would like to have a relationship with God, the Bible tells us that the first step is acknowledging that we have sinned and that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s love (Romans 3:23-26). Next, we believe and confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9) and allow Him to guide our lives. Where we once wanted to control our own future, we now invite Jesus into our hearts to be Lord over our lives. Knowing God’s peace, perspective and purpose for your life begins with a personal relationship with Jesus.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 Would you like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life? You can pray the following prayer: Lord, i confess that I have sinned against You and ask You to forgive me. I’m sorry that my sin has hurt You and other people in my life. I acknowledge that I could never earn salvation by my good works, but I come to You and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross. I believe that you love me and that Jesus died and rose again so that I can be forgiven and come to know You. I ask You to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I trust You with everything, and I thank You for loving me so much that I can know You here on earth and spend the rest of eternity with You in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen

lord, thank you for the life you have planned out for me. God has a plan for your life that is so much more than you could ever hope for or imagine. That plan is not for your destruction but for your wellbeing. You are being conformed into the image of Christ and your ultimate end is not as a victim but as a victor, a joint heir with The King.

in conclusion Oh, Heavenly Father, it is truly beyond my comprehension just how much you love me, how you know me intimately and that you think of me. I admit that at times I feel as though I am just a speck on this Earth, being randomly tossed around back and forth, with my days just filled with random happenings. But no, you are in control, of every bump and bruise, of every turn and jump. And you are orchestrating these days of my life into a grand lifetime, for my good and Your glory. Oh Lord, thank you for loving me so much! Forgive me for taking your love for granted and for falsely believing – in my pride – that I somehow have everything under control. Thank you for the life you have planned out for me and thank you for equipping me with the strength to live it. May all I do bring glory to you. In Christ’s name, Amen

So, has your understanding of our scripture, Jeremiah 29:11 changed? Is it still a scripture you think you can cling to? I do. I say let’s still cling to it, but for the right reason: not for the false hope that God will take away all of our suffering; but for the true gospel confidence, that He will give us hope in the midst of it. I am thankful for the lessons God is teaching me from His scriptures. They are not random. They are not coincidence. God is faithful to meet us right where we are and to meet our needs. I have a new normal on the horizon. I don’t really know what it will be like. In some ways, I feel it might be less than this now normal, yet in other ways I know it will be so much more. So I am waiting with expectant anticipation as each day passes and I come 24 hours closer to a brand new normal.

Blessings Soul Friends, Jana

FOOTNOTE: That moment I metioned on page one was very real. It ushered in a three year period living in our own sort of Babylon, held captive waiting on God’s resolution. A resolution and redemption which did indeed come. Those few years seemed never ending while I was living in them. Today, I am 10+ years beyond that time and thankful that we built, lived, survived and grew during our captivity. Among many other things, God also taught me THIS TIME SHALL PASS. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

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JANA KENNEDY SPICER, Founder Sweet To The Soul Ministries, is a wife, mom and Nana. She is a born and raised Texas girl who loves boots, sunflowers and sweet tea. She has a heart for studying God’s Word and is passionate about encouraging women to do the same. Her favorite part of ministry is where her faith and art collide! This is the sweet spot where souls become inspired. After a 30 year corporate career, God called her to share her art and love of Bible Study with others. A woman rescued and repaired by the grace of God, she loves to share about the realness of God’s love, redemption and faithfulness. She is dedicated to using her creative gifts for the Kingdom of God. Follow Jana on Facebook @Sweet.To.The.Soul.Ministries and Instagram @jana_sweettothesoul Follow her Bible Journaling and creative arts on Facebook and Instagram @SweetToTheSoulShoppe Visit SweetToTheSoul.com for more Bible Study Resources Visit SweetToTheSoulShoppe.com to see the full line of Soul Inspired creative products Bible Study Journals also available on Amazon

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