Over the last number of years, many of us who call Canada home have been wrestling with the past, present and future of this country. We’ve wrestled with the thought of how this became home for some, and how it has impacted others, making it feel less like home.

When we look at the future, we are wondering what type of home we are creating for the next generation and will Canada even still be a place where they feel like they are home.

These are big questions, but thankfully, we’re not the first group of people who have ever wrestled with this idea before. Jeremiah had a message to the Israelites, whose home (Israel) was under attack, and who found themselves forced to make a new home in Babylon.

In Jeremiah 29:7, he told them to “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

However, if you choose to celebrate Canada Day, take a moment to reflect on how you can celebrate God’s faithfulness to you here in Canada, commit to serving the leaders and the people, and continue to pray for the welfare of this great nation.