19 July | Teens
«For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.» Jeremiah 29: 11
On average, it is estimated that a person has about 60,000 thoughts per day. That's a lot, isn't it? Of course, not all of these thoughts are deeply meaningful or intense; many of them are automatic or routine. But this estimate serves to illustrate how active our mind can be and how many different thoughts pass through it on a daily basis. The problem is that sometimes we can feel sad or worried, and think that no one cares about us, not even God. But the truth is, God always cares! He has amazing plans for each of us.
In Jeremiah 29:11 to 13, God tells us that He has “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope.” This means that, even when things seem difficult or confusing, God is planning something good for us. So, the next time you feel lonely or sad, remember that God is with you. He has thoughts of peace for you and wants you to have a bright and hopeful future.
Take Action
Take a jar or a box and decorate it with colors and designs that represent hope and positivity. Every day, write on a small piece of paper something you're grateful for, or a dream you have for the future. Place these papers in the jar. Whenever you feel discouraged or uncertain about the future, open the jar and read some of the papers to remind yourself of God's blessings and the wonderful plans He has for you.