A Good Land

"For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land... " Deuteronomy 8:6 NIV

Following this verse, the author describes a land with plenty of water, bountiful crops, and even iron and copper.  A perfect land is promised for those who follow the Lord. Sometimes this is indeed what happens in the earthly life of a nation, or person, that puts God at its centre.  They are blessed with good productive land and a peaceful life. But what about those situations where God's people end up in difficult circumstances? What about the apostles who were martyred? Paul who was abused and sent to jail? How does this promise apply? The eternal promise is what is important here. God's promises extend to the time after our physical bodies die. We may, in this life, experience hardship but for eternity, we are promised a joyful, abundant life.

Dear Father, thank you for the blessings you have given me in this life. Remind me, when difficulty comes my way, that this life on earth is just a speck in the vastness of eternity. Thank you for reassuring us that you are bringing us into a good land where your blessings are forever.