Day 334: Chased

Philippians 4; Ezekiel 24; Isaiah 52

To sit in jail and write, "I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have," is powerful. It's so easy to want more or be frustrated by what we don't have. Paul had experienced prosperity and poverty in many ways, and he encourages us to learn to be content with what we have. If we remember that everything we have is a gift from God for a purpose, no matter how much there is or not, perhaps that will help to teach us to be thankful.

Wow, God tells Ezekiel that his wife will die and he is not to mourn her. Why? As a sign, a symbol, a warning, a message to the people of their coming future. God was trying to purify his people and nothing was working. I would be frustrated that God would feel something like taking my spouse away might work. But that's where complete trust, obedience, faith, and eternal perspective are so important. Was Ezekiel okay with all this? I don't know, but he is completely obedient, so whether or not he likes it, he trusts in God completely.

Cool verses in Isaiah: "Jerusalem, rise from the ruins! Join in the singing. The Lord has given comfort to his people; he comes to your rescue. The Lord has shown all nations his mighty strength; now everyone will see the saving power of our God."  Then there is this verse: "You won't need to run. No one is chasing you. The Lord God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks." Sometimes we do feel chased by life, by our past, but God wants to rescue us, to save us from those things that pursue us. We can trust him to save us.