Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most beloved verses in all the Bible. We enjoy sharing it with one another, thankful for the assurance that the LORD’s plans are “for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” When we write this verse on a birthday or graduation card, it’s not likely that we intend to say with the prophet, “Hang in there; you’ll enjoy brighter days after you have endured seventy years of hardship.” But this is a reminder that every text of Scripture is only fully understood in light of its context. While the verse is not intended as a guarantee of trouble-free days ahead—(nor as a warning that long-term suffering always precedes God’s blessing)—it is indeed a magnificent Biblical promise. For decades Jeremiah had prophesied judgment upon God’s people, and in 597 BC he turned out to be right. The Babylonians’ final attack on Jerusalem resulted in the deaths of many Jews, while most of those who survived were carried off into captivity. Jeremiah 29 is a letter addressed to those exiles in Babylon. They had become prisoners in the city of Satan, refugees in a place where the true and living God was hated and opposed (v 1-3). But God doesn’t tell them to run away, or to revolt. Rather, He tells His people to settle in and make themselves at home for the long haul. They were to build houses and plant gardens, to marry and multiply. They were to seek the welfare of this city and pray for it, recognizing that it was ultimately God who sent them there, not Nebuchadnezzar! (v 4-7). It was a surprising word to those who must have been feeling abandoned and forsaken by God. He did not see them as captives, but as missionaries. They were to establish a presence in the city, raise godly families, and strive to be good neighbors. In short, they were to go about their business as usual, all the while praying for the well-being of the city and its people. As we wonder what God is up to, false teachers will offer explanations, but only God’s Word should be trusted (v 8-9, 15-32). He does have a plan, it is a good one, and He will carry it out. For the whole community of exiles, and for each one individually, God’s hand would guide their steps, working out a wise plan on behalf of all who know and love Him. But while God’s plans are always good, they are not always easy. The recipients of this letter knew they would likely be dead by the time the exile was over. Still, they were called to live by faith, drawn into a vital relationship with a personal God who cared about each one of them. Today, he hears your prayers, and rewards all who seek Him. Times may get tough, but keep trusting: God is at work for your good! (v 10-14). Seventy years is a long time to wait. For further meditation: