Words of Encouragement

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

Jeremiah 29:13

My friend came to me asking for help. Her son’s illness and resulting difficulty had continued for years. She prayed repeatedly for his healing, but his condition remained the same. She was looking for answers to her questions and words of encouragement. 

Perhaps you can identify. Your circumstances have brought great grief or difficulty that you feel you can no longer bear. You are stuck in a place you would rather not be. You are overwhelmed with questions that have gone unanswered. Where do you turn for hope and encouragement?

The nation of Judah was stuck in a place where they didn’t want to be. Unlike many of you, Judah’s sin was the cause of their difficulty. For years they had rejected God; and so, God’s judgment came. The nation of Babylon came against Judah and defeated them, taking many to Babylon as captives. 

God knew His people needed words of encouragement and hope. And so, God penned a letter through His prophet, Jeremiah. God said, I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…. I will be found by you…and will bring you back from captivity (Jeremiah 29:11, 14).

To a people in captivity, God spoke of plans to prosper them and give them a hope and a future. Scripture is quite clear: The plans of God will be fulfilled! Though many captives would die in Babylon, God’s promises held true. God prospered them there, while giving them hope through His promise that Judah would once again be free.  

How did I help my friend? I didn’t. But as we met for weeks and poured over scripture, God’s Word brought healing, strength, and encouragement. Perhaps your difficult circumstances will not change. However, God has written not just a letter, but 66 books for your encouragement. Will you meet with God daily and let His words bring you the hope and strength you need?

Jan Burkhart