“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” —Jeremiah 29:4-7
“God is not far from any one of us.” —Acts 17:27
Living with the awareness of God’s
“This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon.” —Jeremiah 29:4
We can develop
“Several times during the day…ask yourself for a moment if you have your soul in your hands or if some passion or fit of anxiety has robbed you of it…Quietly bring your soul back to the presence of God, subjecting all your affections and desires to the obedience and direction of his divine will.” —St. Francis de Sales
Knowing God is present provides
“Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Find wives for yourselves, and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons and give your daughters to men in marriage so that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease.” —Jeremiah 29:5-6
“hope will not disappoint.” —Romans 5:5
“There are no unsacred moments; there are only sacred moments and moments we have forgotten are sacred.” —Andrew Peterson
“I will never leave you or abandon you.” —Hebrews 13:5
“See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” —Matthew 1:23
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” —Hebrews 4:15
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” —Matthew 27:46
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20
The hope of God brings
“Set your minds on things above.” —Colossians 3:2
“Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.” —Jeremiah 29:7
For further study:
Scripture: Psalm 139:7; Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 9:11-10:25
Resources: “Every Moment Holy” by Douglas McKelvey
Community Group Guide:
Is it hard for you to remember that God is present?
How do you experience the presence of God?
What is it like to remember that Jesus is “God with us” forever?
How has remembering the presence of God brought you hope?
To prepare for next week: Hope for the Future; Jeremiah 29:11