JEREMIAH 29
In 597 b.c., the Babylonians began to deport the Jews to Babylon. Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles helps us understand how we can make the best of a difficult situation.
Accept it. Live as normal a life as you can and put up with inconveniences without complaining. Try to be a blessing to others. Be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.
Be patient. God has the timing all worked out, and His plans never fail. He knows how long and how much.
Trust God. Verse 11 is a powerful promise to claim when you are “in exile.” God thinks about you personally and is planning for you. His plans are for peace, not war, so you need not fear the future. His plans are purposeful, so let Him work out His will. No matter how difficult your situation may be, do not waste your suffering by resisting God.
Avoid false hopes. It is human to indulge in false hopes and grasp at every straw, but this approach leads to despair. Avoid the subtle voices of the false teachers with their false hopes. The Word of God will tell you what to do.
Far From Home
God’s people in the world today are somewhat like the Jewish exiles in Babylon, for we are away from our heavenly home and living among those who do not accept our way of life. “Seek the peace of the city” (Jer. 29:7) is good counsel for us to follow as strangers on this earth. Peter explains how we should do this in