WE HAVE FRIENDS who were recently evicted from the country in which they had worked for many years. EXILES. Though now safe in this country, adjustment is HUGE. Culture, politics, way of life—nothing is easy.
In Old Testament times, the “with it” people of Israel were captured and hauled off to a foreign country. Not happily. “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept and hung our harps on poplars.” Exile. Disruption. Pain. Sadness.
The prophet Jeremiah hears of their sorrow and shoots off an email. “Stop grieving!” he tells the exiles. “Start shaping a new life, there in Babylon. Build a house, plant a garden, raise a family. GET WITH IT! Quit moaning. Put your energy into living at your best.”
Then Jeremiah holds up this beautiful, pearl necklace: “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope…. When you seek me with all your heart, you will find me, says the Lord.”
The exiles got the message and started a worthwhile project—copying the scriptures that had come down from Moses. Eugene Peterson says,
They lost everything they thought was important and found what was important: they found God. When catastrophe strikes—dislocation, illness, death, divorce, job loss—do we complain? Drug ourselves into oblivion? Or do we build and plant and marry and seek the shalom of the place we inhabit? Exile frees us to pursue what really matters, which is to seek the Lord with all our hearts.
WHAT’S YOUR EXILE? A catastrophe from Peterson’s list above? Mine happens to be cancer. I could do the “woe is me” bit, but I’ve chosen to explore this new territory, planting a hugging garden and playing my harp with joy and love and worship. If unrelenting pain comes, I will look to the Good shepherd, who
Gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart.
Yes, I have a future and a hope—
no matter the length or darkness of my exile.
Please tell me your exile story. In what venue are you currently struggling? Comment below, or email me at egus@me.com
Hi Ellie, I’m so sorry you are dealing with a devastating diagnosis. You are walking through your trial with grace and wisdom – and a testimony for many.
I lost my mother on Nov 13th and I can relate to the “exiled” emotions. Waves of sadness suddenly consume my thoughts. I’m pressing into Jesus for strength as I know you are also.
So thankful we know His love!
God bless you,
Konnie
Ellie, I think that being separated from my multiple blessings for a little while is a good thing for me. I have to go away to a hotel with my Bible and little else for a couple of days in order to just BE with the I AM. No distractions. It is wonderful. HE is wonderful.
The difference between true exiles and me: choice. They may have no choice, but I have some choice in the matter. Sometimes I’d choose to make my self-imposed exile a little longer, but the “realities” of this current life will not allow that.
As the apostle Paul once wrote to his friend: ” What shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…”
Phllippians 1:22,23.
I love and respect you Ellie for using your freedom to choose your attitudes and actions in your present circumstances. “I could do the “woe is me” bit, but I’ve chosen to explore this new territory…”
Numbers 6:24-26
“‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
Wonderful words, coming from a heart who knows…
Thank you, Ellie—especially for these words: “They lost everything they thought was important and found what was important: they found God.” That’s what I hope to see result from an ugly family situation following my father-in-law’s Thanksgiving memorial service in L.A. I find it so very sad when family members value things more than people, and pride more than humility. Your book 📖 The Stones on King David 👑 was a welcome companion to me in my travels, especially on the plane ✈️ rides to and from.
Thank you Ellie for a fascinating article with spiritual significance.
We are in exile. We are not immune to diseases, problems and catastrophies. We are not yet free from several attacks and dangers because this world is not our home.
Like the children of Israel who were in the Babylonian captivity, we are also aliens and strangers in this world. We are not citizens of this world. Our citizenship is in heaven……. (Phil 3:20).
Recently, a shopkeeper not far from our home was abducted. For close to two months, the hijackers threatened to kill him, if a ransom amount was not paid. The police traced the culprits but the location and the sim cards used keep changing in the forest. The Man was in great danger. The hijackers gave him an opportunity to plead with family members for a ransom or be killed. By Gods grace and through prayer, the person escaped from the captors. He was found on the outskirts of the forest dehydrated and weak and was taken to the Hospital.
When diseases, landslides, floods, accidents and hijackings occur, our hope is in Jesus. He is the Shepherd of our souls.
Hillary lives in Kenya and faces many challenges in daily life and as a pastor. Please pray for Hillary and others like him who may be facing very real exiles.
Ellie,
Several months ago, my mentor and best friend of 32 years died at the age of 92 which is nowhere near to what others have described about their exiles. I do miss him. And yet, the other testimonies made me think, for the first time, that I have not asked the Lord to bring me a new best friend. Thanks for you sharing your exile with us. I continue to pray for the Lord to bless you with His healing and grace. “Hi” to Jim!
Love in Christ,
Doug