Desolate for a Reason

So that I might make them desolate, in order that they might know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel 20:26 (New American Standard Bible)

Many times in Scripture, God’s actions are followed by the phrase, “That they might know that I am the LORD.” So intent is God on revealing Himself to us that He will go to any length to help us see who He really is and what He is really like. He knows our limitations and weaknesses as well as our bent toward sin and skewed thinking of Him. For the children of Israel, God revealed Himself through discipline, provision, protection, deliverance, and consequences of behavior. Many were the times they “missed” the God ordained revelations but precious were the moments they saw!

As I read today’s verse, the word “desolate” stood out to me so I decided to find its full meaning in the dictionary. What I read was a description of my own life in recent years. It was not only explicit, it was an accurate portrayal. According to Webster, desolate means, to abandon, make alone, deserted, joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through separation from a loved one; showing the effects of abandonment and neglect, barren, lifeless, devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope, laid waste, forsaken, a barren wasteland. I can tell you with all seriousness and sincerity, it is not a fun way to live the Christian life. I felt frozen emotionally as if suspended in a capsule of pain and grief. If that were the end of the story, I would have little to say. Praise God the end of the story is rich!

God says to me what He said to Israel, “It was done in order that you might know that I am the LORD.” In other words, that I might know Him. Not just know about Him but KNOW Him. Although I still have moments of sadness, I can finally say the worst is over and there is now more light than darkness in my soul. I now know God in a way that I didn’t know Him before I entered my personal valley of sorrow. The two things He used the most to draw me out of my place of desolation, were His Word and an individual who was willing to walk with me on an emotional and spiritual level.

You see, God never wastes a thing in our life. He never brings or allows pain or disappointment just for the sake of discomfort. His process and purposes are well thought out and carried out. As I have learned to cooperate with Him and trust Him, I have seen Him move in ways I never thought possible. I marvel over Him and delight in Him!

Father, I am seeing the first glimpses of inner peace that can only be found in You. You saw my sadness and distrust and yet that did not stop You from leading me to and through the valley. What a faithful God You are!

What A Faithful God - Robert Critchley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEgyKpzyUw&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.