God’s Thoughts are Good

For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. (Jeremiah 29:10-14)

The number seventy in Scripture often represents fullness, divine order, and completion.

The Babylonian captivity didn’t randomly last seventy years; God had a plan. God allowed the land to rest and addressed the greed and rebellion of the people who refused to follow His commands. But even during their rebellion, God had a plan to restore them. Jeremiah wrote this chapter as a prophetic word from the Lord. He was letting the people know that God had said, “I want good things for you.” While the people felt forgotten and rejected, God had already planned their return and redemption. God didn’t carry bitterness or a grudge; He carried mercy and grace. God promised them that: “You will find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” There is no place where we cannot receive from God and be reached by Him. Even in captivity, His presence was not far from them.

Even when we are reaping bad seeds that we have sown, God is already planning another chance for us to plant. He has a plan for your redemption and comeback. He draws near to the brokenhearted and embraces us, giving us hope for the next stage.

Practical Application

Spend time seeking God, not just talking or telling Him your prayer “to-do” list. Spend time asking Him about His thoughts, listening to what He says, and following His direction. God promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. His thoughts for you are good.

Deuteronomy 30:3; Joel 2:25