Jeremiah 29:4-14

4This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem:

5“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.

6Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away!

7And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

8This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams,

9because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord.

10This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.

11For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

12In those days when you pray, I will listen.

13If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

14I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”