For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

This verse, from Jeremiah 29:11, is perhaps one of the best-known promises in the Bible. It is a word we receive with hope and joy because we know that God shows no partiality. We know that what He promised to some is no less than what He promises to others.

As you probably know, this verse comes from the letter the prophet Jeremiah sent to the elders of the people of Israel, who at that time were in exile in Babylon. But some of those who received this word died in exile. Does that mean that God lied? Or was the promise meant for someone else?

If there is one thing we can be certain of, it is that God stands by His Word. Therefore, we need to understand that the promise Jeremiah spoke was given to the people of Israel, not to every individual Israelite.

That is why, when we have gathered some of the best-known promises from the Bible on this page, we have also chosen to add some context to them. Some may think this is unnecessary; others may think we have not provided enough. We have chosen to take a moderate middle ground. That is why there is a reference to Israel alongside this particular passage.

Perhaps you have been in a situation where you have felt “carried away” or “captured,” and perhaps these words have encouraged you in your situation. No one should take that encouragement away from you! You should receive it and give thanks for it.

But does this verse apply to every situation?

God speaks to us through His Word, and we should embrace all the good promises found there. But it is also important not to use sentences or passages from Scripture uncritically. I could have read the verse above on an ordinary Monday morning and thought it was wonderful. And since my finances were not doing particularly well at that moment, I might have claimed this word as a promise of greater financial freedom in my life.

I do not believe that is the right way to read this promise.

There are promises concerning finances in God’s Word, and those would probably have been more appropriate to my situation than a promise given to a people living in exile.

So, What Do We Really Mean?

We believe that the Lord speaks to us through His Word. It is just as relevant today as it was when it was spoken or written. But we should not use the Word as a fortune machine, or as a “slot machine” from which we hope to get a few quick blessings. Instead, we should first seek the Lord and ask for wisdom and guidance. Then He will lead us to a word or a story that may be relevant to our situation. Perhaps there are people He brings across our path who have a word from the Lord for us. Or perhaps it is right here, on this page, that you find the word you need, much like the disciples cast lots when difficult decisions had to be made. The Lord always answers, in His way and in His time.

We are called to pray, to wait, and to listen.