I am a follower of Jesus - a citizen of the Kingdom of God - who happens to live in the United States of America. Yes, I'm an American because this is where I was born. And the Bible tells me to submit to the earthly rulers who are over me. But my primary allegiance and identity is as a member of God's Kingdom. He is literally my King. And until Jesus returns and establishes His kingdom here on this planet, I am an alien in a foreign land.
Jeremiah 29:5-11 was written to the Jews while they were in exile. The nations of Israel and Judah were no more. The people had been scattered. Many of them had been taken to Babylon and God told them they would be there for seventy years! In those days, that was more than a lifetime. So God gives them His instructions - through Jeremiah - for how they should live during their time of exile.
The instructions He gives them are also applicable to us today. Not only because we, as believers, are also living in a foreign land, under foreign leadership. But also because many of us often find ourselves in times of waiting for God to change things for the better.
- If only I could find someone to marry
- If only I could have children
- If only I could find a better job
- If only I could be freed from this physical illness
- If only I lived somewhere else
God's words through Jeremiah give us four things that we can do during our times of waiting, when we are living in circumstances that are not what we would choose if it were up to us.
Put Down Roots
"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." Jeremiah 29:5-6
During times of waiting for God to act, put down roots. Don't make the mistake of forgetting to live life while you are waiting. Don't just sit around wishing for life to be different. Whatever your circumstances might be, be present where you are. God has you in that place, at that time, for a purpose.
Serve Your City
"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." Jeremiah 29:7
Connect with the community around you. Help those who are in need. Seek to be a person of peace - sharing God's love and mercy and grace and encouragement with those around you. Walk in the way of Jesus in your community.
With all the technology we have available to us today, we are aware of things that are going on all around the world. And we often feel responsible for all of that; for doing something to help. And there are times when we can give money to help meet a need somewhere else. But for the most part, we can't do anything about the things that are happening 1,000 miles away from us or on the other side of the world. But God tells us that our primary responsibility is to the people in need right around us. The ones who live near us, in and around our own city. The ones we can actually help. So if you feel passionate about helping the people in need that you hear about on the news or online, channel that passion into action in your own community. Serve the people of the city where you live. If every believer would do that, this would be a different country and a different world.
Practice Biblical Discernment
"Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says; 'Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them.' declares the LORD." Jeremiah 29:8-9
Know what the Bible actually says. And then believe it and obey it. Don't be deceived by lies that are perverting the truth. God wants us to know the truth. That's why He gave us the Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament. It's the whole story of God and man and this world. It is His instructions for us on what is true and what is not; on what is good and what is not. As you read it and study it, accept it as simple truth. Then live in the way of God, and stand firm in the truth of God's Word.
Hang on to Hope
"This is what the LORD says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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 29:10-11
Trust in God's plan for your life and for this world. He is in control. His plans will be established in your life and in this world. And the best way to hang on to that hope is to stay close to Him - read His Word, talk to Him, spend time listening to Him, worship Him. Abide in Him and His Spirit will fill you with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control... And He will fill your soul with hope.
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