Hope and a Future

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This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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. Jeremiah 29:10-11
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God takes sin seriously. He doesn't just wink at it. After repeated calls for repentance, He judges His people by taking them into captivity in Babylon. But even as He prepares to judge them (in order to cleanse them), He reassures them of a gracious future!
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this verse is God's promise to those going into captivity in Babylon, but in a larger sense, it reveals His character. He warns me of sin, and even sometimes allows the consequences of sin to lead me to repentance. And yet, He is always moved by his steadfast love to declare His gracious plans to bless those who love Him. I need to remember this, when things are tough, and when I am discouraged!
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Dear Lord, thank you for your spreading goodness! You love us enough to deal with sin in a serious manner, and yet you always remind us of your good plans to bless us! May your love always draw me to love you in return, and obey your Word as a result.