Jeremiah 29:4-7
“Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, to all the captives whom I have carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them. Take wives, and have sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there, and don’t be diminished. Seek the shalom of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its shalom you will have shalom.'”
This passage is part of a letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah from Jerusalem to the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. They had been in Babylon for a few years, and many were hoping for a quick return, perhaps encouraged by false prophets promising a speedy end to their exile.
What does it mean to seek the well-being of a place you didn't choose to be?