Jeremiah reminds God’s people of His good intentions for them in Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These words were spoken when the people were in the pit of despair. But God did not want them to focus on their suffering but on His promise. Some today argue that God was only addressing the Israelites and referred only to their return to the land after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. But, since Paul tells us that all the scripture, including the Old Testament Prophets, is relevant to us, we can claim that promise as well. God’s message through Jeremiah was not an immediate rescue from hardship. Instead, it conveyed that God had a plan for His people even amidst their suffering. The promise included prosperity, hope, and a future. Christians facing difficulties can find comfort in this verse. It doesn’t guarantee instant relief but assures that God’s plan is at work. One commentator who favors this view concludes, “In summary, Jeremiah 29:11 remains relevant for Christians today. It reminds us that God’s plans extend beyond our immediate circumstances, offering hope and assurance for the future.”
The Lord also speaks through Zephaniah, the prophet, to the people in the same great distress. He explains God’s positive intentions for His people as well, and in 3:8, God says, “Wait for me!” Sometimes, the most difficult thing to do is just wait. It involves letting God manage the circumstances and situations that are outside of our control. All the things that really matter in life are outside of our control. God is in charge of our lives. He’s the one calling the shots. And he’s always calling the shots from the disposition of having our best interest foremost in mind. We often think God is too early or he’s too late when He acts. But the truth is, although He might not act exactly when we want Him to, He is always right on time.
The Bible is full of exhortations to wait on God. It also lists the benefits of waiting and trusting God. Those who wait for the Lord renew their strength (Isa. 40:31); those who wait for the Lord will inherit the land (Ps. 37:9); blessed are those who wait for him (Isa. 30:18); none who wait for you will be ashamed (Ps. 25:3); those who wait for me will not be put to shame (Isa. 49:23); may those who wait for you not be ashamed through me (Ps. 69:6); the Lord is good to those who wait for him (Lam. 3:25); you work on behalf of those who wait for you (Isa. 64:4) I like the promise of Isaiah 49:23, “No one who waits for my help will be disappointed.”