Jeremiah 29 The Lord gave Jeremiah a message to send to the exiles in Babylon.. they were to settle down, "build houses.. plant gardens.. take wives.. multiply.. and do not decrease".  They were to "seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare."  The false prophets were saying that the exile would not be long, but Jeremiah reminded them that the Lord said it would be 70 years. 

It is in this letter that we find these beautiful words.. " For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you.. and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations.. and bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile." (v11-14)

The false prophets would be removed and never see the good that the Lord planned for His people...Because they "have spoken words in My name falsely, which I did not command them; and I am He who know, and am a witness.." (v23) 

This letter reminds us of the most important things.. to listen to God's Word, to trust Him for the future,  to speak only the Truth.. and to be still.. at peace.. knowing that in His time He will make all things well!  Daniel heeded these words of Jeremiah.. he knew when the 70 years were about to end.. and he called on the Lord, sought Him with all his heart, and found a future and a hope in God.. even while he served in Babylon.. 

Father, grant us faith like Daniel, may we be diligent  in listening to and obeying Your Word.   May we not pay attention to those who spout false words.. making excuses for their own sins.  May we have perfect assurance in Jesus Christ our Lord.. our Almighty Shepherd.. to lead us in righteousness and find hope and rest in You.. in Your plans for each of us.  Thank You for being our Mighty God who is worthy of all our praise and worship. Thank You for leading me to seek You and to find You.  How precious is Your love to me, O Lord.  Father, we bring our petitions before You, asking for Your Kingdom to come and Your will to be done.  We also pray that You would help Israel in its distress.. that they might seek You and find You when they search for You with all their heart.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.