"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)

"Welfare: see peace. Peace: Hebrew "shalom;" a state of wholeness and unity; May include "reconciliation." Lutheran Study Bible study notes on v 11, specifically the word welfare translated from Hebrew.

The full note on the entire passage reads: "29:11 There was indeed a future and hope in God’s plans for the exiled people. However, only after many years would the chastisement produce the desired change in their lives. When they would again turn to the Lord with all their heart, He would keep His promise to bring them back to their homeland."

God desired a "reconciliation" with his people. That reconciliation would be given to all people who turn to him. Joel 2 speaks of turning to the Lord: “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster." (Joel 2:12-13)

John 3:16 speaks of this reconciliation as well. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Through Christ, all are reconciled with God for all of our evil and sin. Only through him can we be reconciled. In Christ, we have welfare (peace) and a future. In Christ, we have hope.

Pray with me: Gracious Father, I am turning to you and repenting of all I have done and not done, known and unknown, that did not bring glory to you, but instead brought glory to myself. Forgive me and renew me through your Son Jesus Christ. In his name I pray, Amen.

[Excerpt from The Lutheran Study Bible ©2009 Concordia Publishing House]