What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, July 11, 2014

Driven Into the Wilderness

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, 
Will bring her into the wilderness,
And speak comfort to her.
I will give her her vineyards from there,
And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope;
She shall sing there,
As in the days of her youth,
As in the day when she came up from the 
land of Egypt."
Hosea 2:14-15

I have been reading portions from the Old Testament book of Hosea in my devotions this past week. For biblical scholars, the theme of the book of Hosea is "Redeeming Love", primarily God's redemption of the nation of Israel...who has been likened to an adulterous wife.  I will not attempt to interpret the book here...that is not my purpose and I am no scholar.  But the point was made in my readings that in this particular passage in Hosea, God is leading Israel into the desert (wilderness) with the tenderness of a husband who tenderly loves his wife even though she has been unfaithful. His purpose in driving her there is to bring her to a place of restoration and redemption.

It caused me to pause and think about how often in my life God has led me into a type of "wilderness" or desert of soul and spirit so that He could "speak comfort" to me.  It seems as though the wilderness would be the last place we would expect to find comfort and healing...and yet that is where He leads us so that we can focus our eyes completely on Him.

This reminds me of a couple of other Bible verses that have often ministered to my bruised and battered heart:

"Be still, and know that I AM God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge."
Psalm 46:10-11


And again:

"The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul..."
Psalm 23:1-3


I like the part in the Hosea passage that said "I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor (which literally means "trouble") as a door of hope;"   That sort of reminds me of the title of my blog, "Closed Doors, Open Windows"...when doors are closed to us because of "trouble" or sorrow, when we 

"walk through the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4), "I will fear no evil; for YOU (God) are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

When we walk through the desert times of our lives, God gives us a "door of hope"...He comforts us.  And  Hosea says "She shall sing there, as in the days of her youth..."  Not only will she be restored and comforted, but she will actually be able to sing again...which to me is a message of triumph and victory! Singing comes from a heart that is joyful because it has been healed and revived from the valley of trouble and sorrow.

I can feel a song of hope and joy bubbling up from within my soul.  

How about you?  Have you been driven into the wilderness and walked through the Valley of Achor in your life? Have you found that door of hope and comfort that God is opening for you?  If not, "be still and Know" that God is with you. Soon you may find that you are able to sing again too. I sincerely hope so.


You might even be able to walk on the water!
Have a joyful day my friend.

8 comments:

  1. Comforting bible verses, Pamela, thanks for sharing this today, I needed it.

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    1. Thank you Sylvia. Sometimes we think we are only writing for ourselves, and then we realize that God is speaking through His Word to many others who also needed to be comforted. I am happy that He has chosen this instrument to be a place of healing and comfort and encouragement today to you and others as well.

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  2. Pam: These words of yours will bring hope and healing to all who stop in here for a visit. Blessings on you and yours.

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    1. Thank you my friend. That is my prayer. May God use this humble vessel for His honor and glory. Amen.

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  3. Hi Pam! Oh, of course I have been in the valley of Achor. I remember so many times feeling the doors close (and not seeing an open window either!). Somehow I made it through with the grace of God, but it's not an easy thing. I seem to recognize God's movements much better in hindsight!
    Hoping you are having a good weekend,
    Ceil

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    1. Don't we all...recognize God's movements in hindsight! Yes, if only we could see the big picture of God's plan when we are in the Valley of Achor, we might not suffer so. But there is something to be learned in every valley...trust in the One Who is able to carry us through to the other side. God's grace is a marvelous gift. So thankful He bestows it upon us freely!

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  4. "I can feel a song of hope and joy bubbling up from within my soul. " Oh, Pam, my friend, I loved reading those words from you! You are such a blessing. When I think of Pam Steiner I think of the godly example of one who walks through the hard and comes out the other side unscathed because you put your trust in God in the very midst of all the hard around you. One day...one day the Lord will allow us to meet. I would love it this side of Heaven, but if not here I know we will worship Him together THERE! Dianna xo

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    1. Dear Dianna, thank you for these kind words. However I must tell you that I do not come out "unscathed" on the other side...and hopefully none of us do. We learn from our hard times and the "scathing" part is the instrument of growth and grace. Each new trial teaches us to trust God more fully, and to gain wisdom in the process. Why? Because He DOES bring us through the hard times...stronger and wiser and maybe even sweeter. (God keeps trying to make me sweeter...ha ha...someday that might work! LOL) Seriously, yes, one day we will know each other as we meet face to face and share the joy of being true sisters in the Lord. Whether here or there, it will be wonderful! Thank you!

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