“…Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” - Joshua 23:14.

I included this verse towards the end of the last blog I wrote months ago. Reminders of a God who keeps His promises and one who makes a way in wildernesses. The question posed in that same writing: “Is it possible to take these big emotions of thankfulness, hope, and gratitude through even more wilderness?” In the months that would follow of uncertainties and unknowns, the answer is definitely yes! 

A verse of scripture has been on my heart for years. Psalms 37:3 - “trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.” Sometimes maybe we intensify our own wildernesses by not realizing the places the Lord has us. Dwell in the land…wait…hold…trust...enjoy. Reading further to the next verse. Delight in Him and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps 37:4). But how hard is it to step back, stop, and dwell in a place where unmet desires exist? Where heartbreak still exists? Where my desire is to do anything but sit in the continual struggles and wait in them. "Lord if you have placed me here, or if you have led me here, where are you?" Taking the scripture to heart, my intentions were to continue to dwell and feast on His faithfulness. The only explanation I have of how that is possible in spite of difficult situations is asking the Lord to help. Asking the Lord for the eyes to see. In that the Lord granted a tremendous perspective shift followed by continual provisions. There are not other words or answers other than "because of Jesus and the gift of Holy Spirit" is joy in difficulties possible. My attitude has been anything but joyous at times, but He is still so faithful. Isaiah 30:15 - “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength but you would have none of it...” The words jumped off the page. It isn't a magic step by step but when you ask the Spirit to open your eyes, He is faithful. Those words were what I needed to hold onto. I didn’t want to be in the “have none of it” group. Read what happens in chapter 30. Refusing to wait isn't good although the Lord's response is incredible. And when you ask the Spirit for the words YOU need, He may give YOU different words. His word is alive and active (Heb 4:12). The encouragement is to spend time with Him. To dwell. He will provide the safe pasture as you seek Him. 

Today I passed the sign posted below on my way home from a beautiful place of refreshment with a wonderful friend. The Lord truly “leads beside still waters. He restores my soul…” - Psalm 23. This reminder. Leave room for Him to work. Leave room for Him to write His story. Surrender your heart to Him. He isn't wasteful or careless. His love for us will endure forever. 

As I read the one year Bible the day I wrote this I smiled. “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” I actually thought it was the verse I wrote about at the first of the year until I looked. Today’s read was Joshua 21:45. Apparently multiple times in Joshua these words are written. Multiple times in Joshua the words are also written - “Be strong and courageous." "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 

The Lord is with you wherever He leads you. The mountains, the valleys, the fires, and floods. He is by your side. He is in you. Psalms 139:8 - “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Spend time with Him. He is able to walk you through anything. He will keep showing up with more. Take time to listen to this fun song by Brandon Lake and Benjamin Hastings! Continue to praise Him. His love endures forever! "The wilderness will rejoice and blossom!" - Psalms 35:1 He is faithful!