A Weekly Word: Jeremiah 29:11
January 01, 2020
Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite Bible verse for many of us. In beautiful words we are reassured that God loves us, has a plan for us and wants us to feel hopeful about the future. What better way to get moving every morning than with these words on our lips and in our hearts?
“For I know the plans I have for you ... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
We should remember, though, these words originate from a letter Jeremiah wrote to
the Israelites in exile in Babylon. Hope would likely be hard to find among a group
of people captured by their enemies and taken away into a foreign land. Jeremiah told
them God still had a plan for them and that their time in Babylon should be spent
in self-reflection and nurturing hope for the future. It’s a reminder for us that
God is still there and still in control when we experience a frustrating day or even
extreme hardship.
Like all human endeavors, the life of a student has high points and low points. There
will be days when you will wonder how to make time for both your coursework and everything
else in life. There may be a day when you wonder if all your hard work is paying off.
But God has you here for a reason, and the high points do come – when you see the
course material in a new light, when you finish a key paper, when you complete a course,
when you receive a diploma. In fact, furthering your education is an expression of
hope. It’s a great blessing to know we’re not alone, but that God is with us in making
plans and building a future.
By Dr. Jeff Root, Dean of the School of Humanities
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