In other translations the Lord assures us in a variety of ways that He has good things in store for us: "plans for peace, not disaster"; "thoughts of peace and not of hurt"; "intentions of prosperity, and not suffering"; "to make you happy and not to harm you." "It is your welfare I have in mind."
He assures us, "not your undoing." In a world full of bad news where the mood of pessimism is strong, it is good for us believers to hear from the Lord Himself that He has good plans for us.
God has promised us a hope and a future. This age is not the post-Christian era, as some are saying, because we are assured of a future. There are yet chapters to be written in the history of the Body of Christ.
One writer says of God's plans for His people that it is His purpose to give them literally an end and hope. End is like "happy ending" or "reward." He is the covenant God of unchanging grace. His plans concerning His people are always thoughts of good, of blessing.
There is not a single item of evil in His plans for His people; neither in their motive, nor in their revelation, or in their consummation. All is good, all is blessing.
This verse can be claimed by you for your personal comfort and encouragement. God's plan for you are good plans, giving you so much to look forward to. You have so much to live for! Instead of despair, you have hope. All because of Him!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers