According to the statistics from Bible Gateway, the most popular verse
in 2011 was Jeremiah 29:11.


Jeremiah 29:11

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.


Does anyone understand why this verse is so popular?

It is an encouraging verse.

They are the words of the Lord offering hope to men when hope may seem far away.

A future indeed.

The Lord today offers a 'future' for all who are willing to follow the Christian path of life accepting Jesus as their Lord and Master.

God is good.......All the time.

I've been drawn to that verse quite a few times when experiencing some of life's bumps in the road. I wouldn't say it's my favorite verse, but it is special to me nonetheless.

Why is that the number one verse.

I could mention many other verses that are more encouraging.

Why that particular verse???

It is popular due to our society.

Young men die in wars in lands we the citizens care nothing about. All over greed for oil and such.

Daily half a dozen police officers around the USA die just trying to keep order for us.

We see crime, we see in our face a total lack for morality, kindness, honesty and we see our government as the enemy, not the system it was set up to be.

So if you take all these things, and look around,t here for sure is no hope with man.

So God says my thoughts toward you are not as it seems, I do have good thoughts for you, I do wish you to have hope. Some things must play out for reason which you do not understand, but please know I am still here.

That is why it is popular, as nothing man can say will sooth the wounds..so God provides hope, in his thoughts.

Kit

We are living in an age when not only hope is seemingly lost, but God Himself. We live in an age in which atheism is mainstream, and what passes for faith is founded no longer on the word of God, but rationalisation and reason according to man's 'wisdom'. Not only so, but the God in whom the majority of people trust in today is no longer the Creator of man in His own image, but one created by man in his image.
As a result, people are confused, and many who are genuinely searching for truth, and there are many, are desperate for an anchor to cling to, a rock to build their lives upon. Something they can truly rely on, a God who will not, cannot fail them.
This is the God of the Bible. And that verse of Jeremiah's ( a personal favourite of mine for several years) provides for those searching souls the anchor they need.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
It is encouraging to know that God is not as the deists believe, one who created us and then left us to our fate. It is encouraging to know that in the midst of chaos, doubt, and confusion, in times when disasters seem to strike randomly at any time and any where and more often than ever before, God is still thinking of us. It is encouraging that in the midst of rampant crime and all manner of evil, God hasn't abandoned us. He has not forgotten us, nor left us alone.

thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Not only is God thinking of us, but He desires our peace. It is encouraging to know that what evil comes to us in this life, whether pain, suffering, illness, or death, whether we are destitute or in great hardship, such things do not come to us from God. It is encouraging to know that what trials we experience, they come to us with the full knowledge and approval of God and that it is through them our peace comes. It is encouraging to know that whatever befalls us in this life, God is in control, and it is for our benefit, our future, our eternal security in Him, our peace, that we meet the challenges of life with courage, and faith in God's immutable love and sovereign power over all things.
It is encouraging to know that all things work together for good for them that love God, and who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

I believe that particular verse is God's word to man for our time. It is the Holy Spirit Himself who is convicting people everywhere of its truth, and its relevance. It is present truth for this age.

Now I understand, yes, it does make sense.

Very well explained.

Also very tragic, that people turn to only a verse.

Both you and Kit hit the same spot, thanks.