"And seek the peace of the city..."
Read: Jeremiah 29:1-14
Whether we find ourselves in places of our own desire or places unexpected, we sometimes experience frustration with issues that we face or begin to focus our core energy on trying to figure out an escape plan to get to the next point where we want to be in life. Having goals and working toward them is healthy and motivating, and it helps get us from point A to point B to point C and so on throughout our lives. However, there are times we God's plan is different from our plans, and seeking peace in our current situation is an essential part of the journey. Is there somewhere you would rather be living or working? Is there something about your life that you want to change? In the mean time, prior to any possible changes or moves, what are you doing to bring peace for yourself and those around you?
If you find yourself "captive" in some sort of Babylon, whatever or wherever the situation may be, remember God's words to the Israelites: "And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace." God's plan for us may not always lead us where we originally wanted to go or where we feel most comfortable, but we can always seek peace wherever we find ourselves along the journey.
What if this doesn't apply to you? What if you are in your comfort zone, where you want to be? Look around. You may have colleagues, students, parents, or community members within your school community who need to feel that peace and comfort that you feel. When you find yourself in your comfort zone, consider words and actions that you can use to bring peace and comfort to the lives of others.
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your plans and guidance for us. Thank you for the peace we can feel through praying and seeking you throughout our lives. Please lead us to see ways we can find peace in our daily lives regardless of the struggles we may face, and please lead us also to discover ways to bring your peace to those around us. We serve you and ask for these blessings in Christ's name. Amen.
