Jeremiah 29:11-14  “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (NLT)

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Sin has consequences. Recovery has steps. 

The kingdoms of Israel and Judah had ignored God, added other gods, and substituted still other gods for the who alone is God. God had warned them before they entered the Promised Land not to do this. He warned them again after they entered the Promised Land. He warned them again and again and again. 

God told them the consequences that were coming if they did not turn from their increasingly evil ways. Kings and other leaders of the people worked to out-sin one another. Ordinary people followed their lead. God spoke, but nobody listened. God warned them, but nobody cared. 

Then the whole world fell apart as God’s warnings of coming destruction came to pass. Those who survived found themselves in an alien land with an alien language and alien customs. Jeremiah wrote a letter to them and told them to settle into their new surroundings and to flourish for themselves and for the land where they now lived. (See verses 4-7.)

Exile was not the end of the story. If the exiles followed God’s instructions, God would listen to their prayers. He would be found by those who sought him. He would release them to go home. He would restore their fortunes. He would gather them and take them home.

God’s character and nature never change. His loving heart still warns us away from destructive behavior. His loving heart disciplines us for our good. His loving heart longs to be found when we seek him wholeheartedly. He loves providing release from the unnecessary bonds our sin creates. He loves restoring our lives and families. He loves gathering us to himself. 

Do you require God’s restoration? God gives us the pathway for how this works. There are several steps.

First, seek him with your whole heart. Hunger and thirst for him. Give him your attention. Listen to his voice. 
Second, follow his directions. Catalyze peace and prosperity where you live, work, and play. Bloom where you are planted. 
Third, pray for the welfare of those who live around you. Seek God’s highest and best for them. 
Fourth, trust God’s heart for all that lies before you. His plans are always better than our plans. His purpose is unfailingly good. He involves us in his restoration of all things even as he restores us.

Psalm 23:3 says, “He renews my life,” (Christian Standard Bible). “He refreshes my soul,” (New International Version). “He renews my strength,” (New Living Translation). “True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction,” (The Message).

God’s plans for you include restoration and renewal. His plans for us are always and forever better than any we could dream up on our own. 

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I will follow God’s plans for my life.

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Our Father, thank you for lovingly drawing us into restoration. Thank you for renewing our lives. Thank you for your purpose and provision. Empower us to embrace and express your plans for us. Amen.