For Your City
“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
INSIGHT
One of my favorite parts of this life is our ability to be in a relationship with others. Being designed for relationships is not just a spiritual thing; it is part of our humanity. Even the scientific world encourages us to partake in relationships because of the vast benefits it can have in our lives.
A Psychology Today article revealed: "Strong social connection leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity and strengthens our immune system. People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, are more empathetic to others, and are more trusting and cooperative. Consequently, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them."
Who would not want some of this in their life as well as the world around them?
Right now, when we look at our people and our cities, we get a glimpse of exile. The prophet Jeremiah understood all too well the consequences of exile. He watched the people of Israel suffer from hunger, thirst, oppression, loneliness, and, most importantly, separation from God. Exile took its toll on the children of Israel; they suffered a continuous cycle of rebellion, returning to God, and then repeating their resistance. Jeremiah couldn't remain a bystander while God's people continued this vicious cycle, so he spoke up and tried to steer God's people back to their God.
Jeremiah devoted his time and energy to entering into the exile of God's people to help get them out. He learned that if he could seek to improve the welfare, or the peace, of the city, then well-being would also be found. Jeremiah's heart for his city caused him to become a part of it. God called Jeremiah to speak to God's people to help steer them back to God, and as Jeremiah committed to his call, his heart became for the people.
We can have a similar experience. For those of us who decide to follow Jesus, our city is a part of us. We do not look upon our cities in exile and point fingers telling them to stop making bad decisions; instead, we enter in and become reflections of our God. Often we speak about how bad off our cities are, how crime is rampant, and there is no hope in things turning around. Yet, when we fail to seek the welfare of our city, we play a part in contributing to its hardship and destruction. Every person has a chance for redemption, and our cities are full of redemptive potential.
When we step into fighting and pursuing the welfare of our cities, we receive healing for our hearts. As a city begins to heal and turn from hardships, healing influences everyone involved. More than ever, our cities are crying out from exile, and we can step into them and help steer them back towards peace. We must lean into the tension of helping our cities see the necessity of unity from all inhabitants if we want change to begin to take place and to witness God's handiwork on display. We pursue Kingdom Supremacy by bringing all people together for a common purpose.
REFLECTION
What steps can you make towards your city to help bring welfare, peace, and unity?
How can God use you to reveal Kingdom Supremacy to those around you?
PRAYER
Father, even exile can serve a higher purpose than we will ever realize. We are like the people Jeremiah spoke to some thousands of years ago. We too are caught up in hardship. I pray that You would use me in a way that helps steer our cities back to You. You are unifying, and You are peace. Please help me be a voice for my city. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.
