“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7
The prophet Jeremiah was living during a time when the Israelites were being exiled from Jerusalem into Babylon. They were removed from everything they had ever known, and were living in a foreign land. God knew this was going to be a difficult season for them, but encouraged them not just to survive, but thrive. Sometimes, as a Christian, God calls us into things that feel like exile. That calling will likely be something that causes us to walk into the darkness of this world. It feels foreign, and uncomfortable. The initial enthusiasm of knowing we are following God in obedience wears off, and we feel like we’re left in a desert. God’s voice sounds quiet. Our friends aren’t sure how to relate to us. We no longer have time for the things we enjoy that fill us up. We question that we actually heard correctly, or the message was lost in translation. Surely, God would not lead us to a place that feels like exile.
The same is true for the children we serve. They too, have been removed from everything they have ever known, and placed in a foreign land. No matter how much love and care they receive from their new parent figure, it’s not the same as the comfort of what they’ve always known. That feels safe, even if it isn’t safe. And their own loss begins to affect those who care for them. It may manifest as tantrums, blatant disobedience, defiance, or inability to connect.
A few verses later, we read the verse from Jeremiah that is so frequently quoted yet never truly understood because we don’t know the context. Jeremiah 29:10-11 “and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know that plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God promised his people to bring them back to welfare – or shalom – which is more properly translated “peace and plenty.” As we continue to read in Jeremiah 29:12-13 “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” God made this promise specifically to the Israelites. And while we may not know the specific promise God made for the kids we serve, or to us, we know that God wants welfare for his people. But what he ultimately wants is our hearts. He wants us to seek Him during our times of trial, heart break, and lack of understanding. He wants our raw emotions. He wants our anger and frustration. He wants us to seek him in all that we do. Hosea 6:6 says “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” He wants your heart.
If you’re struggling with walking in the darkness, we don’t want you to do it alone. Our team is always here to help you in any way you need. Know that you are loved, prayed for, and seen in the work you do to serve our families and children. Each and every job is so important, and we couldn’t do it without you. It is truly humbling to watch the body of Christ in action.