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Finding Hope in Displacement

LentMigration, Borders and Human Dignity Week 15 · Day 4

Scripture References

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Old Testament

Jeremiah 29:4-14

⁴ The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives whom I have caused to be carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon:
⁵ “Build houses and dwell in them. Plant gardens and eat their fruit.
⁶ Take wives and father sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there, and don’t be diminished.

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⁷ Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”
⁸ For the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel says: “Don’t let your prophets who are amongst you and your diviners deceive you. Don’t listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamt.
⁹ For they prophesy falsely to you in my name. I have not sent them,” says the LORD.
¹⁰ For the LORD says, “After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you and perform my good word towards you, in causing you to return to this place.
¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think towards you,” says the LORD, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.
¹² You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
¹³ You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.
¹⁴ I will be found by you,” says the LORD, “and I will turn again your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places where I have driven you,” says the LORD. “I will bring you again to the place from where I caused you to be carried away captive.”

New Testament

Philippians 3:20-21

²⁰ For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
²¹ who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.

Thought for the Day

Jeremiah’s letter to exiles is one of Scripture’s most surprising acts of pastoral realism. Build houses. Plant gardens. Seek the welfare of the city where you have been sent. Pray for it. Do not live as though you are suspended in limbo until life becomes “normal” again. The Lord is present in displacement, and he has not lost his people.

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Paul speaks the same tension in Philippians: our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour. Heavenly citizenship is not escapism. It is a deeper loyalty that steadies us when earthly belonging becomes fragile.

Displacement can make hope feel thin. Everything is provisional: paperwork, housing, language, friendships, work. Even small kindnesses can become shelter. So we pray for those who are far from home, and for those supporting them. We pray for local communities that can receive newcomers without fear, and for institutions that can act with clarity and compassion.

Lord, teach us to hope without denial. Give exiles the courage to plant gardens and to pray. Give them friends, protection, and a future. And keep the Church faithful in the meantime: a people who know we are pilgrims, and therefore can offer welcome with open hands.

Prayer Points

Respond

Lord, comfort those displaced by war, persecution, or poverty; give protection and a future
Grant wisdom to those resettling and supporting migrants; let processes be clear, fair, and compassionate
Provide homes, work, language help, and community; relieve the fear of constant uncertainty

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Teach us to seek the good of the places where we live; to pray for cities and neighbours with sincerity
Strengthen churches to be pilgrim communities of welcome; offering friendship and practical support
Fix our hope on Christ our Saviour; and steady our hearts with the promise of his coming

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