Everybody loves Jeremiah 29:11. It’s commonly quoted, a favorite graduation card feature, and a popular Instagram caption when someone gets a new job.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Don’t get me wrong - I love this verse, too! When the path forward seems unclear and everything around you feels dark, this is a perfect verse to remind you of God’s promise and love for you.
But do you know what comes just a few lines before this verse? An instruction to sit in discomfort. Seriously! At the time that Jeremiah wrote this letter, the people of Judah were in exile. The nation was split into two opposing political sides, many of their loved ones had been taken away, and they longed to be back in their home country. The people were desperate for some good news; they wanted to hear that this terrible nightmare was about to end.
Instead, Jeremiah told them to “build homes and plan to stay. Plant gardens…marry and have children.” Yes, God was going to deliver them, defeat their enemies, and restore all that was taken from them (29:10, 14). And yes, He knows the plans He has for them, and those plans are for their good. But for right now, they had to keep moving, keep living. Take the lemons they got and make some lemonade.
They had to get comfortable with the discomfort of their current situation.
That’s why God’s promise in verse 11 is so powerful. After being told to stay right where they are, they needed to be assured that God had their best interests in mind. They needed to know that their waiting wouldn’t be in vain.
Maybe today you need to know that, too. Maybe you’ve been praying to God about something and He’s told you to wait, to “plan to stay”. And that waiting is uncomfortable and frustrating and difficult. And it’s also worth it. God’s promises never come back void (Isaiah 55:11), which means that if He’s promised to have good gifts for you (Matt. 7:11), then He will give them. If He promised to guide your steps (Prov. 3:6), then He will. If He said He would restore the time that you’ve lost, then - you guessed it - He will (Joel 2:25)!
So keep seeking His voice, my friend. Keep serving and loving and giving in the way He would have you to. Get comfortable with the discomfort, and find peace in knowing that this situation is only temporary. God is about to restore all that was taken from you, and then some.
Reflection Questions
What makes it difficult for you to get comfortable with discomfort?
How confident do you feel that God really does have your best interests in mind? Talk to Him about it now. It’s okay if you aren’t that confident at all - bring your unbelief boldly to Him so that He can transform your faith.
Prayer
Dear Lord - thank You for being a God who always makes good on Your promises. In this period of waiting, I pray that you strengthen my faith, hone my ear to hear you, and encourage my heart. Thank you for the promise of restoration and abundance. And thank you for being with me whether I’m in the valley or on the mountaintop. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Important note:
Sometimes God wants us to get comfortable in discomfort, but it is NEVER His will for us to be in situations that are actively causing us harm - like an unhealthy or abusive relationship. If you need help getting out of an unsafe situation, visit www.thehotline.org.