Encouragement for Today

January 21, 2025 But, God, I Don’t Want To Plant a Garden Here TRACIE MILES Lee en español

“This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.’” Jeremiah 29:4-5 (NIV)

During difficult times of life or when facing hard transitions, I have found myself struggling to understand God’s plans.

In seasons I certainly don’t want to embrace or settle into, many times my desires don’t line up with God’s plans. I cry out for rescue, hoping He will swoop in and remove me from my uncomfortable situation — but sometimes His response is, Stay where you are. Build houses, plant gardens, and live your life.

Jeremiah 29:4 portrays this surprising command given to God’s people in exile. Taken from their homeland to Babylon, the people of Judah longed for a quick return to Jerusalem. They wanted to be rescued, for God to undo their captivity and restore them to their former lives. But instead of immediate deliverance, God’s message through the prophet Jeremiah was to settle down in the very place they wanted to escape.

“This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce’” (Jeremiah 29:4-5).

It’s not difficult to imagine their frustration and hopelessness. But, God, we don’t want to plant gardens and build houses here. We don’t belong here. This is not our home. Fix this, Lord!

Yet God’s command was clear — He had a purpose for the Israelites in Babylon. They wanted to hear His plans for immediate relief, but instead they heard that their stay would not be short. Thus He encouraged them to embrace the present instead of wasting their days longing for the past or dreaming of a faraway future.

This passage challenges our perspective on difficult seasons of life. We often plead with God to change our circumstances, to remove our pain, struggle or discomfort. But sometimes God’s answer is not to change our situation but to change us within it. He invites us to build and plant, creating and loving life in the very place we don’t want to be.

Perhaps you currently feel out of place, longing for God to change your situation. It’s natural to want to escape hardship and discomfort. But what if God is telling you to stay and “plant a garden” right where you are? What if He is cultivating something within you that requires time, patience and perseverance so true growth can take place?

Resist the urge to merely endure. Instead, ask God how you can invest in the season He has you in, and trust He has a plan even in the waiting.

He’s got you, and you’ve got this. Now, go plant that garden.

Lord, life has changed, and it feels so difficult. Please give me peace, the ability to embrace where You have me, and the courage to live fully, trusting in Your plans for me and Your sovereignty over all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Tracie Miles’ book God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence can give you the tips and inspiration you need to begin embracing the present, loving the season God has for you, and planting your garden. You can also check out her other popular books in the P31 Bookstore, including Stress-Less Living and Living Unbroken.

ENGAGE

Tracie is sharing more inspiration for loving the life you’re in and embracing fresh, new beginnings with confidence and courage on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast this month! Click here to listen to her episode.

You can also connect with Tracie on Instagram to watch a brief video with some words of encouragement that will light a fire in your spirit today to start going after your dreams.

FOR DEEPER STUDY:

Psalm 6:9, “The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer” (NIV).

Where might God be asking you to plant a garden today? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.