A Future and a Hope: God’s Plan Even in the Darkest Times
The Word of God is a living force, capable of transforming our lives, renewing our minds, and leading us into a deeper knowledge of Him. “Yeshua HaMashiach is the Word made flesh” (John 1:14). When we study Scripture, it takes root within us, shaping our inner being, bearing fruit, and bringing glory to God.
Today, let us turn to Jeremiah 29. At this time, the people of Israel were in Babylonian captivity. The Hebrew word for Babylon, “Bavel,” comes from the root “bilbul,” meaning confusion, chaos, and disorder. It describes a state in which a person is lost, unable to make sense of what is happening, gripped by fear and uncertainty. In many places throughout Scripture, Babylon—like Egypt—serves as a symbol of a world steeped in evil. Yet, even in the midst of turmoil and captivity, God always has a word for His people. He preserves a remnant—those who hear His voice and follow Him.
We live in a time when it is difficult to understand the world around us. Darkness seems to be increasing, and many feel lost, unsure of where to turn. But we know that the Lord is coming! Still, many have been caught off guard. Why? Because they were not watchful. To be watchful means to seek the face of God. It is not merely observing events—it is hungering for His presence, praying, and calling upon His name. When we seek His face, we hear His voice, and He begins to speak into our lives. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). If we abide in His Word, nothing will take us by surprise.
In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” These words remain just as powerful today. No matter how dark the world becomes, God’s plans for us are always good. Why? Because His covenant with us is sealed by the blood of Yeshua, the Lamb of God. Covenant is not just about God’s promises—it also requires our response.
The Lord says, “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). The key word here is action. It is not enough to know the truth—we must live it. We are called to cry out, to seek, and to pray. This is not just about personal prayer, but about corporate worship and intercession, for God’s power is revealed in a unique way when two or three are gathered in His name. In the book of Acts, the early Church remained steadfast in unity, prayer, and teaching (Acts 2:42), and God moved powerfully in their midst. When believers come together, there is a corporate anointing that cannot be accessed in isolation.
Yet, too often, we neglect this calling, distracted by secondary concerns. Work, family, and finances are important—but they must never take the place of God in our hearts. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When the Lord is our priority, He takes care of everything else. In the book of Haggai, God speaks to His people, saying: “Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5). They labored, yet their efforts bore no fruit because they had forgotten the house of the Lord. The same happens to us when we lose sight of what truly matters.
God desires us to be firmly established in His house. “Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord (Haggai 1:8). The house of God is where we receive direction, anointing, and transformation. It is not merely a building—it is the body of Christ, where each of us has a role to fulfill. “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). In Jewish tradition, a minyan—a gathering of at least ten people—is required for certain prayers, underscoring the power of corporate worship.
Today, the Lord is calling us back to our first love. “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4). First love is when God becomes the deepest longing of our hearts. It is not about religion—it is about a living relationship with Him. When we seek Him with all our hearts, He promises: “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:14). God will lead us out of captivity—whether from sickness, financial struggles, or broken relationships—and restore us to a place of blessing.
Let us turn our hearts toward God, examining our priorities and motives. “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). May our homes be filled with love for God and His Word. May we be a people who seek Him wholeheartedly, who pray and serve in unity with other believers. Then we will witness the fulfillment of His promises and His glory revealed in our lives. “The snare is broken, and we have escaped” (Psalm 124:7). Blessed be the Lord, who gives us a future and a hope!
Pastor Oren Lev Ari