All of a sudden the noises of threatening brutality that seemed not far behind me ceased. Almost miraculously, I was standing on the edge of a beautiful meadow filled with promises of secrets that would satisfy the soul. Every sound from the meadow was welcoming and peaceful. Every smell was carrying my heart to an expectation of the rest I had so desired. It was secluded, and possibly had hidden itself out of the knowledge of the enemy. What would such a destructive offender even consider useful in the beauty of this meadow? With his total focus on stealing, killing and destroying, this part of his domain must have hidden itself from his intolerance for anything that could bless, heal and restore.
Psalm 74:19 – “O deliver not the soul of Thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of Thy poor for ever.”
My heart was now beating so loudly that it would possibly overcome the sound of my straining breath. Was this the answer to my deepest need and momentary desire? I took a step into the meadow with my entire being sinking into the expectation of securing success. Here I was overwhelmed with the strong sense that I was safe and protected. Oh, hope was rising and my soul was sizing up the opportunity to regroup, grow stronger, and once again find worth in my life!
My first step into the beauty of the meadow didn't end me, so I quickly positioned myself to accept the desired rest. Sleep was quickly overcoming my eyes. Soon I curled up on the soft grasses in the middle of the meadow and slipped away into a dreamy “in and out” state of consciousness. With this choice of ease (while I leaned on my own decision for safety), unknowingly, I had given full opportunity for failure to establish its mark on me. The enemy now quietly arose from his hiding place in the midst of the tender beauty of the meadow. He began shackling me to my false sense of hopeful expectation. Here he would chain me to my memories of failure and promises of future defeat. When I would awake, I would be trapped in disappointment, and resolved to further curse my existence. What was this secret meadow of cruelty? And how could I allow myself to be so vulnerable?
Psalm 74:20 - “Have respect unto Thy covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations (meadows) of cruelty.”
Why is it that the life we live as believers is so full of disappointing rest areas of empty promises, dashed hopes, and shattered dreams? Why are these beautiful meadows of false accusations, shallow commitments, and “user” relationships just waiting for every tired broken heart that is expecting a miracle? In Psalm 73 the writer stares honestly at the lives of those who have no accountability with eternity and dare to hold a disdain towards God and His people. He openly declares that their lives on the surface seem (though they flaunt their sinfulness and perversion) widely celebrated, overtly happy, openly successful, apparently undisturbed, proudly rebellious, and fearless even unto death. This troubles the Psalmist's soul because it doesn't appear fair in the light of so many of God's people that seem poor, down trodden, out cast, alienated, and deprived of the “finer things” of life. That is until ...vs. 17 - “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.” It was the “sanctuary” time that revealed what was real!
Now please do not turn the channel just yet. And do not walk away offended... but hear this thought and do something about it to elevate your perception and rise above your self-punishing situation. The only way to get the right perspective for victory above the deception is to develop the habit of running to the “sanctuary” of God. This is an attitude of living that chooses God's Word and promises as far more sacred and reliable than any other utterance or philosophy that radiates from this side of Heaven. This is a habit of life that constantly longs for, listens to, and relies upon the time spent with Jesus in prayer and in personal Bible study. This “sanctuary time” is where we gather the courage needed to not be disappointed in the “meadows” of cruelty. Stuff happens on this side of Heaven.
Satan's voice is so loud and threatening where time with Jesus is neglected. Your defeat is sure when God's voice is distant. Your victory over self-devaluing situations will be proportionate to your “sanctuary time” alone with Him. The answer for relief is not found in the beautiful meadows, but in our beautiful God. Trust Him, spend time with Him, and let Him love you.
Psalm 74:21 –“O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise Thy name.”
HLFA,
Jeff