Life Verse Revelation

I smiled to myself this morning when I sensed the Lord send me to Jeremiah 29.

Verse 11 (specifically the NIV) has been my “life verse” …it’s the one that the Lord used to turn my heart the night I gave my life to Him.

So this morning I went there expecting to know how I’d feel as I read this verse again, but as I read the Holy Spirit showed me something I hadn’t understood before… the verse is so often quoted out of context (as so many often are), but in context it shows that God allowed his people to be in an uncomfortable situation – in this case because of their disobedience.  He basically said “Make the most of a bad situation, but don’t worry I’m coming back for you” (verses 4-7).  THEN comes the infamous verse 11…

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.

But as I read the whole chapter this morning in the KJV and saw the context set by verses 4-7, verses 11-14 stood out to me:

11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

14And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

So there’s all the beautiful promises of verses 11-13 and He will bring you out from exile (v 14).  Wow.

Suddenly as I view my own life… I see why this has been my life verse… and I’m feeling like my release from exile is just ahead.