Jeremiah 28-30

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce” (29:5). Judah’s false prophets said that the exiles in Babylon would be released within two years, but Jeremiah declared that the exiles should settle down in the foreign land. “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city ... Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (29:7). Rather than fighting against their difficult path, God wanted the exiles to learn to trust Him in exile.

“For I know the plans I have for you ... plans to give you hope and a future” (29:11). Wherever we live, even under difficult circumstances, God’s plans for us prevail when we seek Him with our hearts (29:13).