When Hope Feels Far Away: How Jeremiah 29:11 Speaks to Our Suffering Today

A Christian woman sitting outside with a Bible in her lap when hope seems far away and she wants to know Jeremiah 29:11 meaning in context

When you’re walking through a trial, Jeremiah 29:11 is often offered as a quick comfort—but what happens when life keeps falling apart? Join me in the “Study With Me” series as we put historical context into practice. Discover what God’s message to the exiles in Babylon reveals about His unchanging character, His sovereign plans, and how to find steady hope in Christ when suffering persists.

A Simple Way to Read the Bible in Context

A magnifying glass on top of an open Bible to show the benefit of reading a book of the Bible in one sitting

Zooming in too closely on single Bible verses can actually make God’s message harder to understand. Discover a simple, transformative shift to help you see the beautiful big picture.

Which Bible Translation Should I Read?

Does the wealth of Bible translations feel like a barrier to your study? Learn why we have so many translations and how to choose the best version to help you study the Bible with confidence and delight.

A Look Over My Shoulder As I Study a Bible Passage

A peaceful watercolor illustration of an open Bible on a rustic wooden table. A steaming ceramic mug of tea and a pair of spectacles rest beside the book, with soft light streaming through a nearby window. The scene evokes a quiet, intimate moment of real-time Bible study.

Effective Bible study is far better than following a rigid formula; it involves slowing down enough to see what’s on the page and responding to the Person behind the words. Look over my shoulder as I study a Bible passage in real time—moving beyond the “recipe” to show you exactly what a relational, deep-dive into Scripture looks like.

3 Simple Ways to Understand the Bible (+ 3 Quick Wins)

Whether you have five minutes or an hour, discover how to understand the Bible with these simple, accessible ways to study God’s Word. If you’re ready to move from intimidation to delight, jump in and discover how to dig deeper with confidence.

The Moment That Changed My Life Forever

The Moment That Changed My Life Forever (Jana Carlson's Testimony) symbolized by a 1970s basement with brown wood panelled walls, brown carpet, and brown furnishings

I grew up in church, read my Bible, and tried to live a godly life—but something was missing. It wasn’t until years later, through heartbreak and hardship, that I discovered the joy of truly knowing God. This is my story of how the gospel transformed my faith from routine to relationship, from discontented duty to delight.

The Best Part of My Day

An open Bible and a steaming mug on a table in front of an open window in the morning light

Follow me through my normal morning routine, including how I delight in God’s Word through Bible reading, meditation, and prayer.