Plans for Hope and a Future

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
--Jeremiah 29:11

I LOVE this verse from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah! God says that not only does He know of the plans He has laid out for our lives, but that they are GOOD plans that are not meant to harm us, but to help us prosper, giving us hope (which is always desperately needed!) and a future. God's plans, if followed, are intended only for our good, and ultimately His Glory.
Hope is what helps us realize and implement our dreams, hang onto the Lord when all else says to let go & find our own way (which will eventually fail). God knows that humans need Hope, which He gives us in the form of His hands gently & firmly molding and guiding our lives to His good purposes.
Don't gloss over the words in this verse. Don't let it lose its meaning; for it's an AMAZING promise from a God who loves us intimately!