While today’s verse follows one of the most quoted verses in the Old Testament, the one that offers hope and a future, it is important to understand the historical context behind Jeremiah’s message. The letter is written from Jerusalem to the Jews in exile in Babylon around 597 BC.

The people were discouraged, displaced, and confused about why God had allowed them to be conquered and carried away. Through Jeremiah, God told them to settle down, build homes, and plant gardens in Babylon because they would be there for 70 years.

Verse 12 marks a turning point in the conversation by signaling that their suffering would create a humbled, prayerful heart ready to seek God’s help. In other words, when they stopped trying to save themselves and turned to the Lord, He would hear them.

Prayer, as expressed here, isn’t a quick fix to-do list we present to God, but a genuine, whole hearted relationship with our creator. He remains available and attentive no matter how far away He may seem to us, but relationship, Thanksgiving, and surrender of self are key for us to hear His voice. Like the Jewish people in exile, we might have sit in our situation for a while before we see the results of our prayer, but the Lord hears every earnest prayer.

FaithInTheFog #dailyinspiration #prayer