The Beautiful, Broad Place - Jennifer Woodley
‘Be at rest, once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.’ Psalm 116:7 (NIV).
Imagine a spacious meadow, dotted with tall timbers and underneath their shady branches a broad expanse of yellow flowers scattered generously over a carpet of thick, cool grass. Such is the metaphor that expresses the beautiful and broad place that our Heavenly Father invites us to enjoy in knowing Him.
King David, while experiencing deep anguish and pain prayed, ‘God, come and save me!’ Then in Psalm 118, we are told that God the Father, full of mercy and compassion, came to his rescue, breaking open the way into a beautiful and broad place. Though once full of despair, David could now say, ‘Relax and rest, be confident and serene, for the Lord rewards fully those who simply trust in him.’ (Psalm 116: 7).
The beautiful, broad place is where we experience His delightful grace upon us. Despite our circumstances, it is a place where we see His signs of goodness and can still flourish, rejoicing in His provision. Even if our circumstances don’t change immediately, a shadow has lifted, we feel light in our spirit, free from worry in our mind and there is a stirring of excitement and anticipation of what is yet to come. Doubt will no longer fill our heart, but be replaced by a secure assurance that God’s constant tender love is with us right now.
‘Father, in faith I ask that you would bring me into this beautiful and broad place where I will experience your goodness, peace and tender loving care towards me. Thank you.’
Jennifer lives in Australia with her husband. She enjoys encouraging others on their faith journey through writing and mentoring. Contact |
