Exiled Praise

4 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 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 29:4-7)

How do we sing our native songs in a strange land? How do we praise God in the midst of adversity?

These questions permeate history and faith. As long as there have been people there has been suffering - and the people of God have never been exempt from (and have, at times, been the cause of) suffering in the world. In the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the leaders of the exiled people of God, he gave them a difficult hope. Essentially saying "make yourselves at home - you're going to be here for a while". Not exactly what they wanted to hear. Not exactly what we want to hear.

But the faithful waiting they, and we, are called to is not idle or helpless. Living well and with joy in adversity is an active expression of uncompromised faith. And seeking the welfare of the "city" we are in requires us to work to change the very landscape of oppressive laws and institutions. Knowing that we have been placed where we are by God, for a season and for a purpose, gives us reason to praise. Inroads can't be built from the outside. Planting seeds of faith, love and hope where we are transforms our place of exile into holy ground to the glory of God.

10 For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. 11 You brought us into the net; you laid burdens on our backs; 12 you let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place. (Psalm 66:10-12)