You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I couldn't help but notice this verse comes right on the heels of the ever popular graduation verse 11:
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.
While this verse is ever so encouraging and inspiring, it does not give the whole picture.
Some have even cautioned that this verse may not be "claimable" to every reader, as it was written specifically to the Jews in captivity. It probably has more application for the oppressed, abused, or persecuted reader than your average American high school graduate.
I still think it applies, but not until we look at the surrounding Scripture.
"I have great plans for you," says God Almighty in verse 11.
Verse 12 shows us how the Israelites were to respond to such a marvelous promise in the midst of exile and humiliation.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
"Call on me," He says. "I will listen."
Graduates, as you receive your diplomas and gather all your gifts from open houses and parties and worry about whether your future is as bright as you desire, heed these words.
Your future is only as bright as the time you spend in the light of His face.
Call on Him. Because when you seek Him, you will find Him. And He is all that matters.
P.S. If you need a tool to help you begin seeking Him, I encourage you to sign up for my email list in the sidebar and receive a free copy of my 31 day devotional.
P.S. If you need a tool to help you begin seeking Him, I encourage you to sign up for my email list in the sidebar and receive a free copy of my 31 day devotional.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello! I'm Faith. I'm a verbal processor who wants to love the Lord and love people with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I write to think and think to write. I don't drink coffee. I am a dogless dog lover. I enjoy hosting large parties in my home, and I enjoy being alone. Join me in looking to Him and pursuing A Radiant Face.
So true! We do have to seek His face and presence. I think verse 11 is claimable, but you're right! We have to look at the context. I wrote a post a long time ago about the context of Jeremiah 29:11, but I focused on verses 1-10. Here is the link if you're interested. http://heavennotharvard.com/2014/05/15/master-weaver/
ReplyDeleteThese are such encouraging verses.
ReplyDeletewww.thedivinepresence.wordpress.com
This section of Jeremiah has so many riches for us, but people only focus on verse 11. You're so right that we need to look at the context, reading past verse 11 to see that we need to seek Him, turn to Him is so important. I wrote about the verses leading up to verse 11 and the importance of understanding His plans are eternal, not limited to our patience or even lifetime.
ReplyDeletehttp://heavennotharvard.com/2014/05/15/master-weaver/
I love Jesus Calling! These are defiantly god verse for the recent grad to hold close.
ReplyDeleteI love Jeremiah! What an encouragement to every believer :)
ReplyDeleteGreat verses! I think they are also perfect for all seasons of our futures.
ReplyDeleteFaith, I love these words: "Your future is only as bright as the time you spend in the light of His face." So applicable to graduates, but also to all of us. Each day's brightness depends on how much time we spend in the light of His glory. I'm eager to read your book. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI liken that verse in Jeremiah to Psalm 27:8 "When You said "Seek My face" my heart said to You, "Your face Lord, I will see".
ReplyDeleteVital to success in life!
I love your quote, "Your future is only as bright as the time you spend in the light of His face." It's so true!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful verse that is! :)
ReplyDelete