Some of us have heard this verse so many times in Sunday School and church and graduation cards that it sometimes loses its meaning. But it is still the Word of God, living and active (Hebrews 4:12). I was left standing in awe of God’s glory recently when he revealed it to me in a new way.
There will always be times in life when we doubt, when we lose our joy, when we are weighed down by everyday burdens or monotony. For me, in the past few months, this has been in job hunting. I’ve had some exciting leads that just don’t pan out and it’s disheartening and sometimes I wonder how I will ever find a job I love, or one that will be in the career path that I spent hard work, sleepless nights, and thousands of dollars to pursue.
I have spent a lot of time, recently, being upset with God for not providing me with these things. “You are a good God,” I reason, “you love to give gifts to your children and you are the one who created me like this; who put these desires in me.” I have had a deserving mentality when it comes to these things. I cried out to him for guidance and then, when I didn’t see any clear direction after so long, I became angry and avoided him because I was hurt. I felt abandoned and my pride told me to stop trying. I couldn’t come before the throne: I didn’t want to be there because it reminded me that I was not getting any answers. I felt like I was being punished with silence.
In the midst of my self-pity and anger the Lord brought to mind Peter’s words in John 6:68: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” In my desperation, there was no one else to turn to. Even in my anger and bitterness I knew that God is Sovereign and that he alone has power. He is my only option, whether my pride likes that or not. So I am learning to cling to God in the midst of my hurting.
Anyways, how does Jeremiah 29:11 play a role in all this? Before, I clung to this verse because I thought it promised me good things in life. Now I realize it promises me something so much better. In this verse God promises hope. Who am I to think I know exactly what that looks like? To think that I know what things in life are good for me? God never promised me a job I love…or a future family…or even circumstantial happiness in this life. But he has offered me joy. 1 Peter 1:3-12 makes it clear: we will suffer in this life and our faith will be refined in this way. Suffering is only temporary-this life is only a breath compared to the vastness of eternity. Things we are promised: a “living hope”, one that cannot “perish, spoil, or fade”. This fills us with “inexpressible and glorious joy”. I don’t completely understand this, but I do know that nothing in this temporary life on earth can compare to the fulfillment and healing that we will have when Christ is revealed. As Christ’s bride we get to spend eternity in his presence, discovering the mysteries of his love and drinking in his wonder.
So I live with “great expectation”, looking forward to my glorious inheritance as a child of the King.
