The Good Land: A Promise of Your Keeping

Fall in the Shenandoah Mountains

We had gone on a day trip to the Shenandoah Mountains. We enjoy hiking at a nearby lake. In the stillness, we paused to enjoy this spot, dressed in all of Autumn’s finery. With a brilliant blue sky as a backdrop, and a tree that hung like a drape over the lake, the trees and mountain seemed enfolded in its care, much like the arm of God. And though there were shadows forming on the water, the atmosphere was life-giving. It held the glory of the season, a precious tranquility, a freshness in the air that also held His nearness.

“For the Lord your God will lead you into a good land: a land of brooks and waters and fountains, in which deep rivers burst forth from its plants and mountains, a land of crops, barley, vineyards, in which fig and pomegranate and olive trees spring up, a land of oil and honey. … You shall bless the Lord your God for the excellent land which He has given to you.”  Deuteronomy 8: 7, 8, &10

Some of you have had a difficult year. You have known hardship, you have experienced physical and emotional pain. You have known separation, loss, grief, and brokenness. And I can’t promise you a primrose path—I am no prophet, I have no magical powers. I am a Christ-follower, and I feel a calling in my spirit to encourage a few of you who have been in the shadows this year. A new season dawns! Just like the changing of the leaves, your circumstances are about to change, too.

There is a river of God’s love and mercy flowing in your direction. It is a stream of new growth, of new life about to break through. Something is about to move, shake, shift. Something is about to spring to life within you, because you love and trust the Father, the Alpha and Omega.  Because you dwell in the power of the Most High God, He is going to flow through you like a mighty fountain.  

Stand firm like the mighty Oak, wrap your arms around the Eternal God, and know that you are held securely by His goodness, feel the anointing of His healing oil. May His Spirit be like sweet honey, bathing your soul in peace. May everything you touch be rooted and established in His strength and power, that you may know He is the One bringing about this work within you. As you bow before Him, let Him drape His protection like a cloak over your mind, body, and soul. Let His tranquility and peace fill you and draw you to His heart. You are loved, and He has a good, life-giving plan for you. Bless the Lord!

“All that I am, praise the Lord; everything in me, praise His Holy name. My whole being praises the Lord and does not forget all His kindnesses. He forgives all my sins and heals my diseases … He satisfies me with good things … The Lord shows mercy and is kind … As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is His love for those who respect Him. … The Lord has set His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over everything. … Everything the Lord has made should praise Him in all the places He rules. My whole being praises the Lord (NCV).”  Psalms 103, excerpts.

A good land awaits; it is the promise for those kept in His presence. 

Dear Lord, earth is Your footstool, Your creative genius to demonstrate Your majesty, glory, and powers. From Genesis to Revelation, Your wonders are displayed. The beauty of our world is but a forecast of heaven! Thank You for the special moments and places like these that leave us dreaming of home and longing for the peace and joy of Your presence. Amen. 

by: deborah goshorn-stenger 2 Pause and Praise Creations ©