‘Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity,’

Jeremiah 29:12-14a NIV

Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of trials of our own making. Because we are imperfect and human, we mess up. We sin, and sometimes experience the natural consequences that come with the choices we make. 

When I was young, I pictured God as vengeful and punishing. But our verse today shows the truth of God’s character. 

‘Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity,’ (Jeremiah 29:12-14a NIV). These words are from a heart of perfect love, acceptance, grace, and mercy - not vengeance and wrath. 

In these verses, we find three promises. First, God says that He will listen to you when you pray to Him. Don’t be afraid to honestly share what is on your mind and in your heart. Next, we will find Him when we earnestly seek Him. Finally, He will remove our sin and the hold it has on us.

What sin are you holding on to and placing before God in your life? What is holding you captive? 

The God of all creation knows you by name, knows the intimate details of your life, and He loves you. In fact, He loves you too much to allow you to continue in bondage and will do what it takes to tear down any idol. You are valuable to Him, and He wants an unhindered relationship with you.

Lord, thank you that even in the midst of the consequences of sin, you long for me to seek You so that You can free me. Open my eyes to see anything that holds me captive and help me to seek you with my whole heart. I want to desire and trust your promises for freedom. 

Johna Clemons