Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 3:13–14
At the top of the first page of Jeremiah in my Bible, I found words I had written:
“I must get past misconceptions of myself! I need to get out of my perception and get into God’s perception. God knows how He wants to use me!”
Along the side, I had written another thought:
“To be happy you must eliminate two things: the fear of a bad future and the memory of a bad past.”
As I read those words again, I wondered: How much of today do I spend looking backward with regret or looking forward with fear? And how often do I allow those things to shape what I believe about myself?
We can become so familiar with our own shortcomings that we struggle to imagine God using us. We remember what went wrong, what someone said about us, or the times we felt inadequate. Eventually, we begin to mistake those experiences for our identity.
But our perception is limited. God sees what we cannot.
When God called Jeremiah, Jeremiah immediately pointed to his limitations: he was young and did not know how to speak. God already knew all of that. His calling included the promise of His presence. Jeremiah would need to learn to trust what God said more than what he felt about himself.
Sometimes we need that same reminder: God knows how He wants to use me, even while I am still learning to see what He sees.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God assured His people that His plans held a future and a hope. These words were spoken to people living in exile. Their circumstances were painful, and their waiting would be long. God was not promising an easy tomorrow. He was assuring them that their hardship had not erased His faithfulness or His purposes.
We can trust that same faithful God with the future we cannot see.
And what about the past?
In Philippians 3:13–14, Paul describes forgetting what lies behind, reaching toward what is ahead, and pressing toward the goal of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. Paul had a past he could not undo, including persecuting the church. Yet he continued following Jesus.
Forgetting did not mean Paul lost his memory. It meant his past no longer determined the direction of his life.
That helps me understand the words in the margin of my Bible more deeply. I cannot simply erase painful memories or decide never to feel afraid again. Healing may take time. But I can bring those memories and fears to Jesus instead of allowing them to govern my choices.
I can remember what happened and still move forward.
I can face uncertainty and still trust God.
I can acknowledge my weaknesses and still answer His call.
Perhaps the question for today is: “Lord, what do You want me to believe about myself, and what step are You asking me to take?”
Our joy has room to grow as we learn to entrust yesterday and tomorrow to Him. We are free to be present with God today—to receive His love, listen for His direction, and do the next thing He places before us.
My past is part of my story. My future is still unfolding. And the God who knows me completely is faithfully leading me forward.
Prayer
Father, help me recognize the misconceptions I have accepted about myself. Teach me to see myself in the light of Your truth and grace. Where painful memories still hurt, bring healing. Where fear fills my thoughts about tomorrow, help me trust Your faithfulness. Thank You that You know how You want to use me. Give me courage to take the next step with Jesus, leaving yesterday in Your care and trusting You with what lies ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A thought to carry today:
I can trust God with who I have been, who I am becoming, and where He is leading me.
