The Place of God’s Choosing

But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. Deuteronomy 12:5 (New American Standard Bible)

I am struck by the numerous times the phrase, “the place which the LORD your God chooses,” was used throughout the book of Deuteronomy. It showed purposeful direction and intent on God’s part for His people. On the surface it referenced the physical places of dwelling, but below the surface was God’s desired places for His people to be spiritually, emotionally, and relationally with Him. No matter what was taking place, God was after their heart which would be the driving force of their actions, attitudes, and words.

Scripture is meant to be a pattern and example to each of us. As we read it, we have the opportunity to learn from the lives of others. Their choices (good and bad) can become our tutors, instructors, and mentors, if we allow it. What God says to them can be messages to us as well.

This morning, I see “invitation” written all over Deuteronomy 12:5. The invitation is to see where God wants me to be in order to join Him. It will require two things…to leave the place I am at and to venture into what He has for me. I am not talking about a physical move, but rather a spiritual and emotional move away from the way I have always done things. God is whispering to me Deuteronomy 1:6-7, “You have dwelt long enough on this mountain. Turn and take up your journey.”

The mountain for me has been that of mindsets and strongholds. I have been living my life in the hold of wrong perceptions and enemy deceptions far too long and God is awakening in me a desire to move away from that. He is showing me what heart attitudes I have become comfortable with and where I have chosen to dwell. He is exposing the heart issues that feed my actions and attitudes. I am at a point of decision….stay where I am at or let God bring me to a new place. His Word and Spirit are my guide and honesty is my walking stick. My key to freedom lies in my willingness to be ruthlessly honest with God, myself, and a trusted friend. To admit what is going on in my head and heart and bring out in the light what I have become good at hiding, denying, and keeping in the dark. It will have to be a daily decision but it will be well worth it.

Father, there is power and freedom in obedience. You are calling me to a new place in my walk with You and this morning I choose to take the steps necessary to move off my mountain of self-pity, self-loathing, and self-destruction. Here is my hand and my heart. Lead on, O, King Eternal. Amen.

All Who Are Thirsty - Robin Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrnvSf2dX18&feature=related

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16