Seek the Peace of the City – Jer 29
Contentment is a hard attribute to have. Yet, that is what Jeremiah told the captive in Babylon to have in Jeremiah 29.
They were to make the most of where they were during the 70 years of captivity. They were to build houses, plant gardens, get married, have children, and seek the peace of the city where they were (v.4-7).
This would have been hard because they were far from home. They had been forcibly removed from their homes. And they were living among their captors. Yet, this was now God’s plan for them, and they were to accept it.
Throughout life, things will happen to us that
Yet wherever we are, we can know that God is in control and we should seek to do His will whatever the circumstances. Instead of complaining, we should focus on making the most of wherever we are and whatever is going on.
Paul expresses this heart of contentment like this:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:11-13
Job expresses it like this:
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said,Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job 1:20-22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
How content are we? Are we trusting Christ to strengthen us in all things? Will we bless the name of the Lord even when our circumstances are not good? Or will we sin and complain and charge God foolishly?