God's Glory Church

“I will visit you and fulfill My good word about you to bring you back to this place.” — Jeremiah 29:10

It has been many years since we left the small town in Oregon where our family grew up. We have great memories there, and a recent visit brought back some of the highlights: our girls’ soccer games, our old house, church gatherings, and our friends’ Mexican restaurant. The city had changed, but there was enough familiarity in it to make us want to return again.

When the Israelites went into exile in Babylon, they missed the familiar people, sights, and culture. They forgot that they were cast out for rebelling against God. So when the false prophets told the exiles that they would return home in two years (Jer. 28:2-4; 29:8-9), they found a receptive audience.

However, God condemned these false prophets and their false promises. “Do not let your prophets who are among you lead you astray” (Jer. 29:8). He had plans for His people “to give [them] a future and a hope” (v. 11). Despite the complexity, difficulty and unusual circumstances, God was with His people. He said to the exiles: “And you will seek Me, and you will find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart” (v. 13). God will return them “to the place from whence [them]… was driven out” (v. 14), but at the time determined by Him.

Nostalgia plays an evil joke with the mind, causing sadness for what once was. Don’t miss out on what God is doing right now. He will fulfill His promises.

What difficulties are you experiencing now? How does God demonstrate His faithfulness?

Heavenly Father, help me flow to You in the present and not long for the past.

Author: Matthew Lucas