Theologian Richard John Neuhaus stated in a recent book that Christians are by their nature a people out of place. You are not a citizen of this world; your true home is with God. You are a stranger in a strange land – an exile.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12

Chapter 29 of Jeremiah is a letter to exiles. The people of Judah had been taken captive to Babylon. Their world was dark. They were warned to be wary of false-hope givers. They knew not to expect anything good from the Babylonian government. But in the middle of their exile, they received a message of hope. God had a plan…to bring them back and restore their future. You, too, have a letter from the Lord, and it is a Bible full of hope and restoration.

Don’t despair when you look at the bleakness of this earthly place. Find encouragement in being reconciled to God through Christ. Know that all future hope is in Him. Keep your prayers tied to the Lord’s will and His plans. They will not be thwarted! As you intercede, include President Obama and his family, and members of Congress. They, too, need to know God’s love, promises, provision, faithfulness and plans.

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 29:7-14