Jeremiah gave a prophecy to the exiled people of Judah in Babylon.  It wasn't a sweet message promising their quick return to Jerusalem (like some other false prophets were doing).  Instead, Jeremiah's letter told them to buckle down.  He said, build houses, plant gardens and build lives for themselves in Babylon.

For some of you, it may feel like you're living in a land of exile.  Likely you're not living in anything like Babylon was for the Hebrew people.  However, in one sense we are all in exile.  We are separated from the quality of life that we will have when Jesus returns and makes "all things new" (all things includes your city or community).

We are to seek the peace and prosperity of where we are located.  And we are to pray for it, because, as Jeremiah reminds us, we are all connected.  When those around us do well, we do well.  When there are people in our city who are hurting, in some sense we all pay the cost of that hurt.

The Challenge:
Today, let's ask God to bless our cities and towns.  How can you work for the peace and prosperity of where you live?  What specific forces are causing suffering and pain?