Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

Bible Commentary

Jeremiah 29:11 is a popular Bible verse from the Old Testament where the Lord is speaking kindly to us regarding our future and His vision for us.

This Bible verse is a favorite for many people. It is comforting to hear words of reassurance from God concerning our future. Many of us struggle with knowing what we’re supposed to be doing here on earth, or what our purpose is.

The Millennials (Generation Y) are not the only ones who wrestle with finding meaningful and purposeful work. That struggle has existed for centuries, which is why Jeremiah 29:11 is so popular.

If you look up the Hebrew meaning of “thoughts” you’ll see: a contrivance, that is, (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice): – cunning (work), curious work, device (-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.

We struggle with knowing our purpose and what kind of work we are called to do, and as you can see, both of these points are in this definition—God’s thoughts toward us.

He created you for a purpose, and gave you certain abilities or gifts for the work He planned for you. Even if it hasn’t been made clear to you yet, it is clear to God.

Maybe you are fortunate and have always known what you wanted, or were called to do. Or, maybe you are up in years and you still don’t have a solid answer to those prayers, and you feel like a fish out of water. Either way, God’s got it.

The feeling of being settled and established in our work, or confident in our purpose isn’t necessarily what gives us peace and joy. God Himself does that.

In Jeremiah 29:11, He makes the point that He is the One Who knows—not us. What kind of faith would we develop if we had all the answers, or if we knew exactly what was going to happen tomorrow?

The joy of the journey is walking with Him, developing a close and personal relationship with Him through it all—the peaks and the valleys. Acts 17:27 says, “that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him…”

The Truth of Peace and Happiness

In Jeremiah 29:11, God says His thoughts toward us are “thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end.”

The Hebrew meanings of “peace” are: safe, well, happy, friendly; welfare, that is, health, prosperity, peace. That’s what we’re all looking for, right? Security, health, prosperity, peace and happiness.

All of those things are wrapped up in Him.

We must seek Him to uncover the prize. Developing an intimate relationship with God is like an exciting treasure hunt. None of the prizes last without Him.

He designed it that way because He made us to fellowship with Him, not for us to pretend like He doesn’t exist. He desires for us to include Him in whatever we’re doing, whether it’s eating a meal with our family or sitting on a park bench. He is Spirit, and He desires to commune with us.

Your fellowship with Him is the highlight of His day. Don’t suffer in silence. Invite Him into the depths of your heart. Whatever is in there, He can handle it. He can handle you.

The “expected end” in Jeremiah 29:11 is like the happy ending in a fairy tale. That’s what He wants for us and what He intended for us. You can see this fairy tale ending in Deuteronomy 33:26-29.

It might seem like a long journey, but you can rest easy, knowing it’s going to be a happy ending. Study the Bible verse of Jeremiah 29:11, and take comfort that you’re in God’s hands.