Finding Hope in God's Plan: A Message from Jeremiah 29

A Promise of Hope

In Jeremiah 29:11, the Word of God declares:
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Let’s pray:
God, thank You for Your Word and for the truth that You have a good plan for us—a plan of peace, not evil, a plan to give us a future and a hope. Today, as we worship and break open Your Word, may it penetrate our hearts. Let the Holy Spirit teach us and move within us. God, if anyone here needs salvation, may they publicly confess Jesus as Lord and Savior today. For believers, work mightily to transform, mold, and shape us into Your image. We love You and ask You to have Your way. Let the Holy Spirit move powerfully today. In Jesus’ name, all God’s people said, Amen.

You may be seated. Can I get an Amen for a shorter message today? Alright, Scott!

The Context of Jeremiah’s Letter

In Jeremiah 29, the prophet Jeremiah writes a letter from Jerusalem to the Israelite captives in Babylon. This is the context: Babylon conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC, burning the city, ruining Judah, and killing many. The survivors were taken captive, about 1,400 miles away, to a foreign land where they became slaves. Imagine their despair—stripped from their homeland, witnessing loved ones killed, and now enslaved. They must have felt hopeless, wondering if there was any hope for themselves, their children, or future generations.

Have you ever felt hopeless? Maybe it’s a broken relationship that feels beyond repair, financial struggles where you don’t know how to make ends meet, or a health diagnosis that changes everything. Perhaps it’s the loss of a loved one, or battles with anxiety or depression that make everything seem negative. Life can bring moments where hope feels out of reach.

God’s Message of Hope

But here’s the truth from God’s Word: There’s always hope with God. In Jeremiah 29:10–11, God says:
"For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Despite Israel’s sin leading to captivity, God had a plan. He set a timeline—70 years—and promised to bring them back to Jerusalem. As Isaiah 43:19 says, "Behold, I’m doing a new thing; now it shall spring forth." God is in the business of change, making all things new. When Israel returned, it was a new beginning after years of captivity. Even when hope seemed lost, God was working.

Hope for Graduates and All of Us

To our graduates and everyone here: No matter how hard life gets, it’s not hopeless. There’s always hope with God. As you plan your future—whether it’s college, a career, or figuring out what’s next—don’t put your hope in the world. Put your hope in the Lord.

Planning is good. Setting goals like earning a degree, working hard, or saving for a car is wise. But don’t place your hope in those things. The world will let you down, but the Lord won’t. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a good plan for you—a plan of peace, not evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Following God’s Plan

If you want to see God’s best, follow Him. Living for the world—chasing sin or ungodliness—won’t lead to God’s best. It starts with trusting Jesus, surrendering fully to Him, and being made new. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." When we walk with God, we experience His peace, joy, and purpose.

This applies to everyone, whether you’re a graduate or 80 years old. God’s not done with you. You’re here for a reason. Don’t just go all in for football or hobbies—go all in for Jesus. Trust Him, live boldly for Him, and you’ll see His best.

I ran from God’s call to preach for four years, but when I surrendered, He allowed me to minister in ways I never imagined. Before I gave my life to Christ, I chased parties and thought I was happy, but I was miserable inside. Living for the world doesn’t bring peace. Living for the Lord does.

A Call to Trust God

Graduates, as you move forward, put God first. Trust Him, live for Him, and be a bold example. I believe with every fiber of my being that if you do, God will work through you in incredible ways. To everyone: If you’re feeling hopeless, remember there’s hope with God. Plan your future, but put your hope in the Lord. Follow Him, go all in, and you’ll see His best.

Let’s commit to trusting God and living for Him, knowing He has a good plan for each of us.