By: Reverend J. Loren Russell
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
“11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
How easy is it for us to get consumed by the opinions of others? It’s good when people say nice things about you, but a different story when they criticize or speak negatively. The real question is whether what others say or their negative opinion of you really matter? Does their pessimistic view prevent you from achieving the goals and aspirations you set for yourself? If the negative opinions of others overly influence your thinking, your attitude, your disposition, or your ability to function, let me recommend that you seriously consider the Lord’s opinion of you.
Jeremiah is writing to people who had been exiled and in captivity in the pagan country of Babylon. There was a false prophet among them who was telling them that they would return to their homeland in two years. I am sure this sounded good to them, but it wasn’t true. Jeremiah tells them that the Lord would let them remain in captivity for seventy years before He would set them free. The false prophecy of a two year return looked better than the seventy year truth, but God had a plan (2 Chronicles 36:21).
Jeremiah conveys the message from God that they were to settle in the land, to assimilate into that society by contributing to the economy, marrying, having children, praying for peace for their captives, and not being deceived by the false prophets that were of their people. The Lord had not forgotten about them and had a high opinion of His people. They would not only be able to withstand the seventy years of captivity, but would emerge a great nation, much more numerous than when they were captured, prosperous, and optimistic about their future.
If they did not settle for anything less than what God had planned for them, if they did not allow the false prophets to sell them fake hope, if they trusted the Lord and called His name in their prayers, if they diligently sought after Him, He would hear their voices and give them a future and a hope.
In like manner, God only wants what’s best for us. The opinions of others matter little, which is why we need to base all our decisions, great and small, on the Lord’s opinion of us and no one else’s.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook LIVE and author of Matters of Faith: The Book (eBook available at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177)
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