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Psalm 16:6,11 – The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (NLT)
Many times, guests who visit our home for the first time are amused by a sign near the entrance of our subdivision which reads, "Land of Pleasant Living". Some individuals, like my husband, think that it's a wonderful title, but others, like myself, think that it sounds too fanciful. Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a land of pleasant living, except in fairy tales. But if it were true, wouldn't everyone want to live there?
While I was reading the daily Scriptures from my one-year Bible, I was struck by today's verses. In the Old Testament economy, the twelve tribes of Israel cast lots in order to determine which part of the Promised Land was their inheritance. Although David, the psalmist, was no stranger to pain and hardship, he was content in the land that God had allotted to him and his family. But it was the presence of the living God that made a difference in his life.
Reflecting on the words of this psalm, perhaps there is such a thing as a "pleasant land" — one that is grounded in the reality of the Lord's presence and living forever in a solid relationship with Him. Consequently, it makes no difference where we live or what we have, because our God will never fail to satisfy us with the life that emanates from His presence: the fullness of joy forevermore.
Prayer: Father, according to Your Word, we know that everything comes from You and exists by Your power. Allow us to enjoy the pleasant land by living in Your presence daily as we commit to walk in Your truth — the pathway that leads to life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in Whose holy name, we pray. Amen.
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So true Lori.
Dear Lori – Thank you for drawing us closer to the One who gives us pleasures forever more.
Yes, the presence of the Lord makes all the difference between ordinary and pleasant. Thanks Lori for writing and sharing. Blessings.
Hi Lori
Can’t help but think that Canada or USA might be seen as “Land of Pleasant Living” by so many of today’s refugees.
Lori, someday we will all be living in a Land of Pleasant Living. You’re right though — it doesn’t really matter where you live or what it is called.
We have to be like David and enjoy where we are and what we have every single day. Look how the Lord blessed Him. I’ll take that any day of the week.
Maybe you could say we really have been blessed as well to be living in this pleasant land of Canada given the rest of the world.
Dea Lori,
When reading the top of this devotional, I was hoping you would say what you have said at the bottom. And here it was!
Thank you.