Scripture Reading(s)
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
29:1 These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
29:4 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
29:5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce.
29:6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.
29:7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Reflections
Despite the nations exile, God still wanted to instill hope into their hearts and remind them that He was still in control. Their role was to seek Babylon’s peace and pray for the nation.
Regardless of how bad a situation can get, we need to be reminded that there is always an end to a dark and hard time. Going through the motions can sometimes be a heavy burden to carry, yet we can always rely on God’s strengthening hand to see us through.
When my husband and I were first faced with the harsh reality that we would have to be separated for several months to a year because of our immigration situation, it was like being punched in the gut with an iron fist. The blow was heavy and hurtful. The burden seemed too much to carry and I did not know how I was going to make it through.
However through nights of prayers and asking for God’s strength to hang on to Him in the situation, we have been able to face this storm head on. Knowing that God is in control we are able to trust Him throughout this waiting process.
The nation of Israel was about to face a 70 year long period. That sounds incredibly long but God promised that He would remain faithful and we too can hang on to that promise.
The Lord speaks to me often by giving the verse to me, Jeremiah 29: 11. The other day, I went to pay for some groceries at the Dollar Store instead of my wife. The tally came up to $29.11. I looked at Heather and began crying, because I knew that it was God’s way of saying that everything was going to be OK. It was His way of saying, “I’ve got this, let go.” I just recently had aortic root surgery, and am recovering. It’s given me time to reflect and to make a revision of the book that I recently published, The Original Light: The Great I Am. Thank you for doing the Lord’s work with this devotion. I encourage you to check my devotional website at TheOriginalLight.wordpress dot com. I also encourage you to check out createspace if you are interested in exploring how God brought our universe into existence. https://www.createspace.com/6375898
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