"I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
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I have a very bad habit of forgetting this truth in God's Word. I forget that the Lord is always thinking of me. Not only is He thinking of me; He has thoughts of peace for me - a future and hope.
Now, I have taken this verse very lightly in the past. Something has been making me think a bit deeper on it. So I'm going to break down some key words in the verse - get to the meat and bones of it all!
PEACE -
*cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.
*freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.
*a state of tranquillity or serenity: May he rest in peace.
*a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquillity silence; stillness
This particular word is one that I struggle with on a daily basis. I do not feel at peace in my mind most of the time. My mind races all over the place and seldom lets me catch my breath. There isn't much peace in my thoughts and fears.
But Scripture is telling me in this verse that He, the Lord Almighty, is sending thoughts of peace my way. Peace from the Prince of Peace Himself! That should mean something right? I'm trying to figure out how I keep missing that very important package delivery!!
I love the thought of "cessation of strife" or the freedom from anxiety and distraction. I cannot imagine my life with a mind full of these things. There are days that I am free for a few hours but eventually it comes back. I know that the answer lies in this Scripture, I just need to figure out how to actively apply that to my mind.
EVIL -
*the force in nature that governs and gives rise to wickedness and sin.
*the wicked or immoral part of someone or something: The evil in his nature has destroyed the good.
*harm; mischief; misfortune: to wish one evil.
*anything causing injury or harm: Tobacco is considered by some to be an evil.
*a harmful aspect, effect, or consequence
Jer. 29:11 tells me that Jesus never has thoughts of evil towards me. Even when things are hard in my life and troubles are on every side - there is no evil from Him. When I am caught up in the latest worry or hurdle in my path I have to always remember that Jesus has no thoughts of evil for me. He never wishes evil upon me. He never desires to see me struggle with my problems and worries. That is why He is so adamant about me taking those things which burden me down to the cross.
FUTURE-
*time that is to be or come hereafter
He has thoughts of my future. Ha! Even I dont think about my future that much. But Jesus sits in eternity and thinks of my future. My future? Me? Nobody in East Texas and the Maker of Heaven and Earth thinks of my future?! That is mind boggling if you really sit and let yourself drink that in. Really think about it! He is sitting at the right hand of His Father, right now, thinking of your future. It's almost too much to wrap my puny pea brain around. BUT I believe it! As enormous as that is, I have to believe it.
HOPE-
*the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
*a particular instance of this feeling: the hope of winning.
* a person or thing in which expectations are centered: JESUS was her last hope.
* something that is hoped for: HIS forgiveness is my constant hope.
Good ol' hope!! I live on hope! I breathe in hope. Hope that there is so much more than this. Hope that I won't embarass myself or my family. Hope that at some point in my life I'll have peace of mind. Hope, hope, hope, hope.
Jesus THINKS thoughts of hope for us. Jesus' thoughts are power. Pure, unadulterated power. Think about it for second! He merely spoke and the universe jumped into existence - what happens when He merely "thinks" something?!?
I know that my future will turn out exactly the way the Lord wants it to. I have given my scarred, messed up, highly imperfect life to Him and I know that He's in the business of making all things new.
I have no idea what my future holds but I do know one thing - that my Jesus cares what it holds and His power is in my future. So, it's all going to be ok!
With the Love of Christ,
Mar
