“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 29:11

I remember a time in my life when everything seemed uncertain. It felt as though the world was moving by on fast forward and I was left standing still. I had goals, dreams, and desires, but they seemed far out of reach. Fear and doubt crept in, and I wondered if I’d ever truly be able to step into the future I hoped for. We all have moments of uncertainty. Maybe you are facing a challenging season or questioning where your life is headed. It’s easy to forget, when we're in the midst of struggle, that God has a purpose and plan for our lives. He sees the bigger picture, and his plans are always good. In Jeremiah 29:11, God’s promise to his people—despite their exile—is one of hope, not despair. It’s a promise that echoes through history to us today. Even when the path ahead seems unclear, we can hold on to the assurance that God is at work, weaving the pieces of our lives together with purpose. The future may not always look the way we might expect, but in God’s hands it will always be better than we could have imagined. In this new year and every year, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is leading us toward a hopeful future. 

Lord, thank you for your promise of a hopeful future. Help me to trust you with the unknowns and to rest in the assurance that you are guiding me. Amen.