“…seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives…for in the peace thereof you shall ye have peace.” – Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV)
The prophet Jeremiah was writing from Jerusalem to the exiled children of Israel, offering encouragement during a difficult time.
The Israelites were in captivity, having been taken from Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. They were in distress, having been displaced from home and familiar surroundings and practices. They were unsettled. Jeremiah’s word from the Lord to them was, “Build houses, and dwell in them; plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; take wives/husbands…bear sons and daughters; that you may be increased there, and not diminished.” (Jeremiah 29:5-6).
In essence, God’s word to them was – settle down and be at peace with yourselves, your surroundings, and others so that they and you can prosper.
There are times in our lives when we encounter difficulties and hardships (storms), and our peace of mind is taken away. Threats of danger to life and property, a terminal diagnosis, conflict between families or communities, all of these can rob us of our peace. But God is saying, even in that, one can find peace.
Saul was king over Israel, but he was jealous of David, the shepherd boy turned soldier, because the people celebrated him. As a result, Saul looked for an opportunity to kill David several times. But David “behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him” (1st Samuel 18:14, KJV).
The Jews were in danger of being exterminated, and Esther, a young Jewish girl, stepped up to save her people and provide peace and stability. She risked her life (Esther 4:16).
Jesus, in preparing His disciples for His departure, said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives…” No challenge, whether personal or otherwise, can take away the peace that only Christ can give; David and Esther understood this.
Let us seek God’s peace, which comes as we walk daily with Him. Let us, like David, behave ourselves wisely in all our ways, and like Esther, commit to doing right even if we perish.
Prayer
Father, we seek not a shelter from the storm but Your presence in the storm to take us through. Like the apostle Paul, we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed, braver and stronger because of Your presence, which gives us peace. Thank You, Father, in Jesus name, Amen.
Read: Numbers 6:24-26; John 14:27
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 73:1-14; Acts 7:44-60; Acts 8:1-3; 2 Samuel 18:19-33; 2 Samuel 19