pir
le S b i B ed
tu
urn dy Jo
al
e m i t s i th I ns l u o S
-
11 : 9 2 H A I M E R E J
-
• The Perception of Time ·
introduction are facing our own trials.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Sadly, very often this Bible verse is completely misapplied to our situations. Not to mention the translations which substitute “thoughts of peace” with “plans to prosper you” and the subsequent misapplication of prosperity.
Jeremiah 29:11
I took a deep breath, inhaling from a world which was warm and comfortable. But in the very next moment, I exhaled into a world of utter chaos and unknown. Life as I knew it had just imploded all around me and my family.
If not careful, we can tend to approach Jeremiah 29:11 as a security blanket. Inferring it to mean something that is does not actually mean, like “God has a plan for me that is good, so clearly this suffering I’m going through will end soon and my flourishing will begin.”
Time. It’s a funny thing, our perception of time. As we watch our children graduate from school, it can seem as though with a blink of the eye they went from babies cradled in our arms to young adults wanting to spread their wings and fly. On the other hand, as we are waiting for that phone call from the doctor with test results, a mere 24 hours can seem like an eternity.
Umm. Not exactly. As with any scripture, it can be dangerous to extract a single verse, not considering it’s right meaning in context of the chapter or book which it is included, or relative to the entirety of God’s Word.
Time.
“This Time” will take you on a deeper journey of this popular scripture to understand what Jeremiah was actually saying to the people of Israel in his letter and learn if it holds a promise for us today.
In those times when our world shifts on its axis, we turn to the scriptures for comfort and God’s reassurances – and rightly so. God longs to spend time with us on easy days, but He especially calls us to come to him in the midst of the storms.
by Jana Kennedy Spicer
One scripture that Christians take great comfort in is Jeremiah 29:11. It is a popular scripture we can find printed on everything from t-shirts and cups to graduation announcements and cards of encouragement. We quote it to a friend in a trial and we cling to it when we
01
for i know the plans i have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. jeremiah 29:11
t u o b A
a e h -t
r o h t u
JANA KENNEDY SPICER, Founder Sweet To The Soul Ministries, is a wife, mom and Nana. She is a born and raised Texas girl who loves boots, sunflowers and sweet tea. She has a heart for studying God’s Word and is passionate about encouraging women to do the same. Her favorite part of ministry is where her faith and art collide! This is the sweet spot where souls become inspired. After a 30 year corporate career, God called her to share her art and love of Bible Study with others. A woman rescued and repaired by the grace of God, she loves to share about the realness of God’s love, redemption and faithfulness. She is dedicated to using her creative gifts for the Kingdom of God. Follow Jana on Facebook @Sweet.To.The.Soul.Ministries and Instagram @jana_sweettothesoul Follow her Bible Journaling and creative arts on Facebook and Instagram @SweetToTheSoulShoppe Visit SweetToTheSoul.com for more Bible Study Resources Visit SweetToTheSoulShoppe.com to see the full line of Soul Inspired creative products Bible Study Journals also available on Amazon
29
• More from Sweet To The Soul ·
resources LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
GRACIOUS WORDS
DWELL IN THE PSALMS
JOY FILLED LIFE
31Day Devotional and Bible Study
Speaking with Kindness and Mercy
Finding Our Home in God’s Word
Bible Study Journal
ANCHORED HOPE
BEARING FRUIT
YOU ARE SO LOVED
I AM NOT ALONE
God Confidence for Life’s Storms
Living Rooted in Christ
Knowing God’s Love and Loving Others
Finding Peace in God’s Presence
INSPIRED SUBSCRIBER
SOUL INSPIRED
SWEET TO THE SOUL SHOPPE
Annual subscription for monthly devos + study resources.
Search through all of our Bible Study topics and materials.
Browse our selection of over 100 printable Bible Study and journaling products.
MY FAV THINGS - FALL Printable Bible Study Journal
30