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Living With Hope

Saturday, June 8

Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.'”
Devotion
In our theme passage today, God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites who are in exile in Babylon. Despite their circumstances, God instructs them to build, plant, and grow. He encourages them to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they are held captive, promising that their wellbeing is tied to the welfare of the city.
Life can sometimes feel like an exile. We may find ourselves in situations that are challenging, uncomfortable, or far from what we desire. Yet, God’s message to the exiles in Babylon is a timeless encouragement for us today: to live fully and hopefully, even when life isn’t perfect.

  • Build and Settle Down: God calls us to build houses and settle down, even in the midst of exile. It’s a call to establish roots, trusting that God is with us in every season.
  • Plant Gardens and Eat What They Produce: Planting gardens is an act of faith. It involves hard work, patience, and the belief that something good will come from our efforts. 
  • Marry and Increase in Number: God encourages the Israelites to continue building their families and communities. This is a reminder to invest in relationships and nurture the connections that sustain us. 
  • Seek the Peace and Prosperity of the City: God’s instruction to seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon challenges us to be agents of change and blessing wherever we are.
As we navigate our own "exiles," let us remember to live with hope. We can build, plant, and seek the prosperity of our current circumstances, knowing that God is at work. Our hope is not in our present situation but in the God who holds our future.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes in this life I feel as though I am in exile, a far distance away from You. Yet, I know that You are always near, even when I feel all alone. In those times, Lord, help me to reach out to You for the guidance, wisdom, and strength that I need to continue in all You have called me to accomplish. May I be a voice of wisdom within my family, my city, state and nation, pointing others to You and Your Word, that we may all come into alignment with You. Thank You for being forever faithful to me, even when I don’t immediately feel You near. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Here in America, and in countries around the world, we are in desperate need of revival, as sin is running rampant within our homes, schools, churches, and our nations. Commit today to spend time daily praying over the leaders of homes, schools, churches, cities, states, and nations, as we are instructed in God’s Word. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Resources

  • Watch the message, “Pray Big Prayers”, and learn how to embrace the posture of prayer for your life, your community, your city and your nation. 
  • If you need prayer, our team is standing by ready to pray with you. Submit your Prayer Request today.