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. 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

Almost twenty years ago, Jay and I packed our four‑year old son, seven‑year old daughter, dog, and personal belongings in a Honda van with forty years‑worth of memories from a life in South Carolina in tow. We left our families, our friends, our church, and everything we had ever known for Jay’s adventure into full‑time ministry in Chicago. We also left our dream home with “For Sale” and “For Rent” signs in the yard.
 
When we arrived in Chicago, we didn’t know a soul who lived there. I honestly felt like I had been carried into exile—especially when I was faced with shoveling a driveway full of snow while Jay was away at seminary. Don’t people know you don’t have to live like that? 
 
In his book Run with the Horses, Eugene Peterson defines exile as “we are where we don’t want to be.” I think for the past eighteen months we have all been living in exile. Our freedom to go and do whatever and whenever was halted. Our paradigms completely shifted. According to Peterson, while the Hebrews were in exile, they thrived. They prayed more deeply. They were more creative. They discovered purpose, love, and meaning. Though they lost everything they thought was important, more importantly they found God.
 
The goal of our lives is not to live as comfortably as possible but to live as deeply as possible right where God has planted us—even while in exile.

For Reflection

What has mattered most to you during this time of exile?
How can you settle down and live more deeply today?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I have been restless during this season and am ready for this exile to be over. Help me to find my rest in You. Help me to create, love, laugh, and dig down deep right where I am today. Amen.