Right Here, Right Now

Today’s Bible passage is one of my favorite parts of Scripture, and, if I’m being honest, one that I struggle with the most. In this passage, most of Israel had just been taken captive by the Babylonians, who were pagans and had been enemies of Israel for a very long time. After the Israelites were taken captive, some prophets started saying God would come to their rescue quickly, defeating Babylon and restoring the Israelites’ freedom.

But God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah to say that these were lies, and the people saying them were false prophets. Instead, God told His people to get comfy because they were going to be in captivity for a while. He had work for them to do, and He would be with them while they were doing it. He told them to build houses, plant gardens for food, and marry off their children so they could have grandchildren. Even more surprising, He told them to pray for Babylon and “work for the peace and prosperity of the city†of their enemies (Jeremiah 29:7)!

Sometimes, I feel like the Israelites—stuck in a situation I hate, just looking for a way out. I spend so much time looking for future rescue that I don’t see what Jesus is doing right here, right now, in the middle of my “exile.†I forget He is here with me. Instead of asking Jesus what He wants me to do, I look for ways to take control and even to withdraw into myself—to isolate myself from God and others.

When we find ourselves in situations we hate, as Christians, we can take comfort knowing Jesus is right there with us. If we rely on Him to help us resist the temptation to rush through the present, He will show us all the richness He has for us right here, right now. • Taylor Eising

• How does knowing Jesus is with you in your times of “exile†bring you comfort and purpose?

• Read 1 Peter 5:7. When we’re hurting, God doesn’t tell us to ignore our pain, stuff it down,and just get to work. Instead, He invites us to bring our pain to Him with honesty while serving and trusting Him in the present. What would this look like in your life?

• Read Romans 5:8. How does Jesus embody our call to serve wherever God has placed us,even when we consider the people around us to be our “enemiesâ€?

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. Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Jeremiah 29:1-14