Peace, a Future, a Hope

As they prepared to go into exile, many of God’s people were filled with fear. Yet God reassured them that He already was looking ahead to their restoration. Instead of being afraid or worried, God wanted them to go on with their lives. To build houses and plant gardens. To marry and have children. To raise families, “that you may be increased there, and not diminished.”

Babylon had been their adversary, but God wanted them to have a change of attitude. To seek the peace of their new home, even if this was Babylon. And they were to pray for it.

He promised that He knew where they were going. He had not abandoned them. In fact, He would give them “a future and a hope.” Even in exile, He encouraged them to call upon Him, promising to listen. But, there was a condition: They had to seek Him with their whole heart.

His words of comfort and assurance are still true. We can look at our lives and see uncertainty and confusion, doubt and hopelessness. We may not know what will happen tomorrow, but God does.

He loves us so much, and knows the plans He has for us! And He wants to “prosper” us. To give us a hope and a future. What is our role? To seek Him, not half-heartedly but “with all your heart.”

In your life, pray for your city and your country. Pray for your leaders. And make a commitment to seek God with your whole heart! Expect His best! His Word declares that He desires to prosper you!