“Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, ‘til each appears before God in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7 NIV

Where Will I Live?

I want to move. This city in which I live has been good and blessed in some ways, but also a place of much heartache. I moved here at the Lord’s call, but it was a call that ripped my heart away from the place where my heart felt at home. I moved here with the thought that surely, the LORD would move me back to my hometown.

It’s been three years. A lot has happened within these three years. There have been great victories in which the LORD has completely amazed me. There have been trials that softened me and taught me what it means to not only trust the LORD, but also to rest in Him.

I’m reminded of the Israelites who were captives in a strange land for longer than they thought they would be (Jeremiah 29:4-7). God told them to plant gardens and settle, because they were going to be away from home for longer than they expected. Eventually, He would move them on, but for the time being, their focus was to be on blooming where they were planted.

I feel the Lord saying the same thing to my own heart. “I am going to move you on when it is time. For now, focus on where you are today, and I will lead you out eventually. Trust Me.”

And then as I was reading Psalm 37, a very familiar Psalm, these words, which I had never noticed before, spoke to me:

“…those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” (v. 9)

“…the meek will inherit the land…” (v. 11)

“Those the LORD blesses will inherit the land.” (v. 22)

“The righteous will inherit the land…” (v. 29)

“…He will exalt you to inherit the land.” (v. 34 NIV)

It became a sweet refrain the LORD played on my heart. I understood it. I am righteous because of my faith in Jesus. Therefore, whatever land in which I am living is the land my Father has given me to inherit. An inherited land cannot be earned through tears and hard work. An inherited land is simply given, simply received.

I will continue to blossom in the land where the LORD has me. And when He moves me on, I will let Him lead me as a good shepherd always leads his flock. “He shall lead His flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs in His arms, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11 KJV).

Dear Lord Jesus, lead on. In the meantime, help me thrive and bloom right where I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.