Flourishing in Our Present Reality

It is natural to human nature that we sometimes wish we were not where we are. We find ourselves in relationships and circumstances that we would prefer were different in some way. Some folk struggle to be happy and productive in certain geographical locations. Our work environment can cause us anxiety. Even churches can be tough places to feel at home--our own shortfalls or perhaps the hypocrisy of others can cause a struggle within our hearts.

It seems to me there are two ways of approaching life in this imperfect world:

1. We can say, "I don't like it, and I don't want to have to invest myself in a place or among people where I don't find satisfaction or see a promising future." Or,

2. We can say, "I will do the very best I can with the realities of my life. Far more important than the climate, economics, attitudes and people in my life at this place and time is the God who is with me at this place and time!" "Where I am is a place that was created for me by God, and the people in my life are people whom God loves and has lovingly placed here."

I've read where Francois Fenelon said there are two kinds of people--those who look at life and complain of what is not there; and others who look at the realities of life and rejoice in what is there!

We have a choice to complain and limit our living based on what we don't presently have, or we can live positively and brightly in the reality of what we do have.

The Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah had this choice (See Jeremiah 29:1-14). He sent this letter from Jerusalem to the surviving elders, priests, prophets and all the Jewish people living under Nebuchadnezzar's rule having been taken in exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. He brings an amazing word from the Lord to these "displaced" folk.

I'll just touch on a couple of his points in this letter. In verse 7 he reports the Lord's counsel: "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." In verses 11-13 God says: "I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray for me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I WILL BE FOUND BY YOU."

Will we open ourselves to being useful to God in the situational and relational contexts of our present life? Is it possible that the people, culture, opportunities, as well as the physical place and time (maybe even the church?!) found in our life today are God's good gifts intended to help us grow and flourish?

Building the life of our dreams in "hostile" surroundings is hard. But, knowing God's personal presence that is constantly with us each moment empowers us to live God's loving, good and perfect will right where we are.