For me, one of the most comforting scriptures that’s in scripture is:
“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you.” [Jeremiah 29: 11-12]
In the worst of times the reason these verses are comforting is that it is said by the Father and His word always accomplishes what it is sent to do [Isaiah 55:11] Thus His word becomes a rock I can stand knowing that it will always protect me. Plus it tells me what I need to do (call, come, pray) and what the Father will do (hear and listen).
How many places in scripture is God’s word described or defined. It is strong because it needs to our strong foundation. In one place in scripture (Ephesians 6) , the Word is described as a sword. In another place it is said that the Word is sharper than any 2 edged sword. dividing between bone and marrow. What I’m doing is restating the power of the Word and what it is and does. And this is only a beginning introduction but it is summed up in:
“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” [2 Timothy 3: 16-17]
Often we look at the first part of verse 16. But we really need to complete verse 16 and include 17. So how does this relate to God’s plans? In every way because it begins with our confidence in His Word. If you believe God has plans for you. Then you need to follow the ‘Then’. After this you need to believe in the Father’s Word and what it does. Finally, you need to believe in the why – what the Word is for us – to help us be complete, proficient, equipped for every good work!
So, what is your relationship to the Bible… God’s Word? It makes all the difference.
