Day: May 12, 2026

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 ESV

Springtime is the season with the most expectation folded into each day. Gardens are tilled, and planting season arrives. Visits to greenhouses awaken our senses as we enjoy the sensory display of flats of vibrant colored sprouts. And the hanging baskets brim with bright colors of red, yellow, and blue flowers.

This year, we planted Mr. Stripey’s and Cherokee purples in our vegetable patch. And a few hills of squash. We added other veggies along the way. I enjoy digging in the soil. Some say it gives us a grounding sensation.

But our biggest expectation was the birth of our second great-grandbaby. Her scheduled debut was on May 7, but I hoped she would choose my birthday, May 5, for her birthday as well. That day, however, came and went. On May 9, our granddaughter texted our family group at 10 a.m. to say her daughter had been born at 8:45 a.m. The newborn had picked her own birthday and stuck to it.

Jeremiah, the prophet, wrote the above verse to the Jewish people during their exile in Babylon. Most of Judah was taken there by the Babylonians at various times—605, 597, and 586 BC. But God wanted to give them hope in the middle of their captivity.

Jeremiah wrote to us as well. We may not be in captivity, but sometimes the future can look uncertain. Perhaps we are unemployed, have moved to a new location, or have experienced a change of plans or schedules. Any of which makes us realize we’re not in control.

We greet some events with boundless joy and make plans with great anticipation. But we do not welcome all events with joy.

Whichever you experience, whether you planned for them or not, God is in control as much as you let Him. Yahweh has already made plans and set events in the proper order. His plans always include meeting your needs and protecting you. He will give you hope, no matter how certain or uncertain the future looks.

A suggested prayer: Adonai, let me only seek Your will for my life. With anticipation, I await Your instructions. Amen.