“Is the Bible relevant today?” Stories from hundreds of years ago, weird names, suuuuper long chapters. It doesn’t always feel relevant. But to read Scripture is another way for God to provide comfort, clarity, and wisdom. Scripture meditations like this one can help you figure out how to get started reading the Bible.
Feeling So Alone
To say you’re “in exile” feels dramatic. But when you’re watching from the sidelines after church… or listening to your friend group share bonding experiences you’ve never had… sometimes you can’t help thinking:
“I don’t belong here.”
“This is everyone else’s home culture – but not mine.”
“I wish this would feel normal.”
Other people fit in so well. And you feel like a stranger at the family party. You long to be noticed, understood, and valued – to feel at home.
When we feel out of place – like exiles – God is listening to us. He reminds us of his presence and his promise to bring us home.
Jeremiah 29:13-14
13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
Observations from the Text
- God promises to be found by us (v. 13, 14)
- Through God, we are freed from captivity (v. 14)
- God gathers us from many nations (v. 14)
- God carries us into – and out of – exile as part of his plans for us (v. 14… and see v. 11)
Prayers of Response
God of all nations and places, I feel like an exile when I’m at ________. It wears me down.
I admit I resent my ________ [trait] because, with that, I don’t “fit in.” I haven’t considered the unique path you’ve set for me.
Prayer Requests
Home-maker, please lead me to good friends at ________. May we honor you by supporting one another.
When I’m at________, help me notice those who feel like exiles. May I welcome them with your warmth and love.
Prayers of Readiness
God, I want to find you in today’s ________.
Even when I feel alone at ________ today, I’ll remember your promise to bring me back home!
One of the most fundamental ways we seek God with all our heart is through prayer. Try building the habit of prayer in some new ways through our Spiritual Habits journey.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
