An Unexpected Path to Satisfaction with Ashley Moore
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
Growing up in South Georgia there were three things that were certain: life moved a little slower, southern hospitality was plentiful, and comfort was found in knowing that family was nearby. In my mid-twenties my husband and I found ourselves transplanted in Oklahoma City. A far cry from the life we were accustomed to, we grumbled about the traffic, the overpopulated grocery stores, and the difficulty we had making friends in a new place. To say we weren’t happy in our new home would have been an understatement.
We know our circumstances are not by chance, but rather orchestrated by a sovereign God. But that doesn’t always make it easy to accept our current reality.
Have you ever found yourself dissatisfied with where God has you? Do you feel restless in your hometown, and long for a new adventure? Or maybe, like us, discontentment crept in as your new living arrangements didn’t live up to your expectations.
The nation of Israel was all too familiar with these unsettled feelings when they found themselves exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon. But check out the exhortation Jeremiah, the prophet, gave the Israelites.
Jeremiah tells the Israelites not to complain or protest against this nation that has taken them captive but, instead, to seek the welfare of Babylon.
Sounds pretty radical, right?
Exiled for worshiping idols, God did not want his chosen people giving all their time and resources to worthless things. The Lord had spiritual growth in store for the nation of Israel. He taught them how to operate in their God-given identity instead. The Lord wanted the Israelites to experience first-hand, two lessons: how to depend on God and the importance of thinking of others.
God’s desire is to use Christians to reflect his character to the world around us. He wants others to gaze upon our lives and see glimpses of Him. He created us, as image bearers, to be instruments in our communities and the places He sends us. Our responsibility is to point others to Him. When we live in alignment with God’s design, the world around us benefits and we do too!
For this reason Jeremiah told the Israelites to pray for the welfare of Babylon. As Israel worshiped God and put the welfare of the Babylonians before their own, they naturally benefited just as God promised.
Isn’t that incredibly counterintuitive but hopeful news for us? Our circumstances don't have to change for us to be an instrument of God's glory and transformation to the community around us.
After several years of feeling stuck, my husband and I knew we needed a heart change. We decided to give God’s way a try. We began to engage with God by seeking the welfare of Oklahoma City. We searched out opportunities to love and encourage our neighbors and friends. And as a result we began to enjoy our time living there.
If you’re feeling dissatisfied with where you are, may I offer a suggestion? Maybe an unexpected path to your satisfaction isn’t a change of circumstances rather a change of heart. Pray for the good for the welfare of those around you. By seeking God for the welfare of others, there you will find yours too.
Prayer:
Thank God that He designed us to be in relationship with Him and others and that when we cooperate in His design we experience great joy and satisfaction! Pray for God to illuminate places where you may be relying on external circumstances for comfort. Ask God to deepen your dependence on him and increase your love for others. Pray that He would prompt your heart when you’re feeling discouraged or discontent to pray for the welfare of others and the prosperity of the place where He has you.
Dig Deeper: Read more about the dialogue between God and Israel through the Babylonian exile In Jeremiah 29-33.
Questions:
Think about ways God may be trying to transform your heart in your current season. What are one or two things God may want you to learn?
What are one to two ways you can implement a rhythm of prayer for your city into your daily routine?
About Ashley Moore
Writer & Podcast Host
Ashley Moore is a creative coach, writer, and host of be the two™ podcast. Using passionate storytelling, she encourages women to abide, obey, and impact their spheres of influence for Christ. She contributes to Kingdom Edge Magazine and has submitted devotionals and articles to The Secret Place, enLIVEn, the Bubbling Brook, and Rescue: a Devotional for Homeschool Moms. If Ashley isn’t writing, you can find her with her husband, three children, and two floppy-eared Goldens on their south Georgia farmland.
