In the same way that God said to the exiled Israelites—“Build houses, plant gardens, take wives, beget children, and flourish even in Babylon”—He is speaking to us, urging us to be “presently present” in our today, living our lives according to His word over us. If we are focused on the hope of “one day,” we can miss the abundant blessing He's already poured into today.

The Lord has you where you are right now to build and have abundance and grow in the land where you've been planted. Just keep believing. Be anxious for nothing. Live fully present in today, anchored in hope (a joy-filled expectation) that you will see His goodness in every detail of your life.