Jeremiah 29:11 Misused Often, But Certainly Not Useless…

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

The prophesy of Jeremiah 29:11, was given corporately (not individually) to the Israelite nation of Judah facing God’s fatherly discipline in the form of 70 years of Babylonian exile. It is often misused to say “I know my new job is gonna be great because, Jer 29:11!” or, “can’t wait for college, Jeremiah 29:11.” It’s a stretch.

But what is the proper use of this text of Scripture? Here’s one author’s offers an explanation:

The riches and greatest fulfillment of this prophecy is to be realized in a spiritual way. This promise ought to bring a great sense of joy to the believer who longs for the “future hope” of experiencing eternal life with God, a restoration that will be experienced in the fullest sense. It is there where we will experience prosperity and protection in abundance, as we are “gathered back” to him….But this doesn’t mean that everything about it (prophecy of Jer 29:11) is reserved for our future in heaven. I would also argue that a whole host of blessing and prosperity can come to us in the here and now. But these are primarily spiritual blessings like reconciliation, forgiveness, peace with God, fellowship in the church, and love. Blessings like the fruit of the Spirit, answers to prayer, and joy in worship. (The Most Misused Verses In The Bible, By: Eric J. Bargerhuff, PhD)

Here are a couple of related posts as well:

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/stop-taking-jeremiah-2911-out-context