November 30th, 2021

​11/30/21
God promises good things for those who love Him.
Today my devotion for today is based on Joel 16:17-18, "The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. "So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it. "And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim."
Dripping with new wine, flowing with milk, and running with water. These are powerful images of a reviving and refreshing change, sustaining a vibrant life after a time of deep and crusty dryness. It's a picture of a positive hope-filled future.
That's God's work for us. He is our safe place. We can safely tuck away our thoughts, actions, and words with him. Through his unconditional love, our coming king keeps our deep, dark stuff in the safe place of his heart.
The best bit is that when he takes on our ugly stuff, it is forgotten forever! Each day, and again this Advent, because our sin is hidden in him, we are free and openly welcomed to savor fresh milk, and commune in grace through new wine, and receive his baptismal spirit of new life through refreshing water. The condemnation of our sin before God is gone. Our hope is in him.
Please pray with me, Lord of love; you know my dark and ugly stuff. Thank you for taking it away. Thank you for your nourishment today. Thank you for being my hope for tomorrow, for I am safe in you. Amen.