Looking for Peace in a Weary Land

Jeremiah 29:7 NLT
“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

God sent Israel into exile for their sins. In Babylon, God told Israel “…to Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children… Multiply! Do not dwindle away!” (Jeremiah 29:5-6)

God didn’t deliver Israel from Babylon for almost 70 years. Instead, He told them to prosper, dream, grow, be productive and live your lives. Then God told them to do something amazing; He tells them to work for the peace of Babylon, to pray for their captures. Not pray for release from their captures but to pray for their peace and prosperity. For those that did what God asked, God blessed them abundantly, in exile!

What is the nessage?

Be a blessing where God has us. It may be uncomfortable, it may even be painful, but when we pray for their peace, we receive peace from God. When we choose to bless and pray for the prosperity of those that are around us, God brings us peace and prosperity.

Then God will give us a witness and testimony as people who are faithful to God. At that point we gain a good reputation with those who are around us.

Prayer:
Lord, we live in a great country, but there are those who would take our freedom. This is the land that You provided for a people who wanted to serve You freely. We pray for our government to turn back to You, we also pray for peace and prosperity of this great nation.
In Your name Lord, Amen!