Definition: And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 29:14. It's a pretty powerful and hopeful message! Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, this verse is saying: “God has a plan for us, and He wants to bring us back home.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I will be found of you…” – This means God is actively looking out for us. He's not just passively watching; He’s actively seeking our situation. “…and I will turn away your captivity…” – “Captivity” in this context doesn’t mean being trapped or imprisoned. It means being lost, wandering, or drifting away from God’s purpose and direction. It's a sense of feeling like we’re not on the right path. “…and I will gather you from all the nations…” – This speaks to a desire for restoration and reunion. God wants to bring us back to where He originally placed us, to His kingdom. “…and from all the places whither I have driven you…” – This is a crucial part. It refers to the times when we've strayed away from God’s will - maybe due to our own choices, temptations, or bad habits. He wants to bring us back to where He started us. “…saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” – This is the core of the message. God promises to restore us, to take us back to the place we were originally meant to be – His presence and purpose. It’s a promise of homecoming and restoration. In simpler terms: God isn't just passively watching; He’s actively seeking us out when we’re drifting away from Him. He wants to bring us back home, back to where we belong – with Him. It's a message of hope and restoration! The big takeaway is that God desires our return to His kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific story or situation you might have?