December 3

Peace Whatever Exposure

I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. — Ezek 34:25 BSB

It’s an incredible act of grace that the Lord would enter into a covenant with humanity—weak, sinful, and mortal as we are. Yet God has made a solemn and faithful agreement with us, and He will never turn away from it. Because of this covenant, we are safe. Just as shepherds drive off lions and wolves, God will drive away everything that threatens us. He will give us peace from all that disturbs and destroys us, and dangerous influences will be removed from our midst. O Lord, fulfill this promise now!

God’s people will experience safety even in the most exposed places. Desolate wildernesses and thick woods will be as safe as green pastures and peaceful folds for the flock of Christ. If the Lord doesn’t change our circumstances, He will change us so we can handle them. The wilderness isn’t a great place to live, but God can make it a home. In the woods, we feel like we must stay on alert rather than relax, but God can give us rest even there. There’s nothing, inside or out, that should make the child of God afraid. With faith, the wilderness can feel like the outskirts of heaven, and the woods like the entrance to glory.