During December, it sometimes seems that the whole world stops its normal routine and shifts its focus to shopping and office parties and eating. I, for example, put my normal writing projects on hold so that I can focus on preparing these devotional thoughts during Advent.’
When the people of Israel went into captivity in Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah told them that they would return to Judah in 70 years. That was a long time to wait and to set aside normal routines, but the question was, what should they do during that waiting period?
The answer was clearly stated among Jeremiah’s prophecies. In Jer. 29:7, he said, “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 have welfare.”
What should you and I be doing while we wait for God to act on our hopes and dreams? What should we be doing here on earth when we know that one day we will be headed to heaven? The answer is the same for us as for the exiles in Babylon: seek the good of the city, state and nation where we live now.
