Friday, May 11, 2012

Safely Rest



One of His trees providing shade for a couple of families

“. . . you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the Lord
your God is giving you as an inheritance and he will give you
rest from all your enemies around you around you so that you
will live in safety. Deuteronomy 12: 10 (NIV)


            “. . . you will cross the Jordan . . .” At one time or another, we all face issues—life changing circumstances. These situations seem critical and almost insurmountable. God says that we will come through these trials.

            “. . . settle in the land the Lord your God is giving you. . .” God places us where He wants us. He saw to it we found home in the exact opposite part of town from where we had lived. Because of His choosing our home for us, we were situated between the elementary school and the junior high school our son would attend. For several years, our church was a half- mile away. A grocery store was a half-mile in another direction. Another positive aspect of our home is the hospital less than a mile away.

            “. . . he will give you rest. . .” God takes us through the harried times of personal or family illness or trial and, when we have traveled beyond them, we find ourselves able to see things more clearly.
 
            “. . . from all your enemies around you . . .” We have times that everyone seems to go the distance in pointing out our shortcomings. When we come to that place where we don’t react to those criticisms our detractors cease bothering us, God has given us the strength to withstand their attacks.

            “. . . so that you will live in safety.” God wants his children, you and me, to live worry free. His desire is that all who call on Him will be kept safe. He shelters us from the onslaught of our detractors by arming us with messages from His Word.

6 comments:

  1. Dear Quiet Spirit,

    How are you my friend?

    I always find such comfort reading God's Word, and I find it especially helpful and of great encouragement to read the passages broken down, as you have done here. Thank you so much for sharing your wise insight.

    You know this morning I read Psalm 55, which describes a painful betrayal, it is not a nameless enemy or adversary who is seeking to harm, but rather a familiar friend. I thought about that for some time. I do feel very hurt when shortcomings are pointed out, or when blame is reassigned to me. I'm not perfect, but I do feel a lot of the time this familiar friend does that to me, and even resorts to swear words (which make me furious) and name calling. I don't want that to bother me, but it does.

    I'm praying, hoping and relying on God's strength to get me through those times. As you have so wonderfully pointed out, and I need this reminder, "God has given us the strength to withstand their attacks."

    I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day this coming Sunday, and may the LORD bless you richly.

    Loving God, loving you, Kerrie (aka KC)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand the hurt of feeling betrayed. And it always hurts more when it's a familiar friend. When this happens to me, I have to remember that God loves that person as much as He loves me.

      Happy Mother's Day to you.

      Delete
  2. Excellent pondering provision. Thanks for sharing. Love that tree. Is that near you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dawn:
      Thank you for your visit. The tree is in a yard about a mile from our home. I saw it one fall and decided to snap a picture of it. I purchased a digital camera for the purpose of taking pictures and using theme here but I haven't done that like I meant to. I hope to do better about that.

      Happy Mother's Day to you.

      Delete
  3. Amen! He places us where He wants us, and sometimes that is not where we would have wanted to be...but His peace will settle there when we trust Him~ Good post~ ♥♥♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Until we learn that God is in control and always has the last say, we might not always like where He places us. We have to discover peace with God and with ourselves in order to become who He wants us to be.

      Happy Mother's Day,

      Delete

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