Looking for a City

This post is related to our personal journey.

There is a lesson in here and writing about it may benefit no one but R. and I... but if you can get any good out of it- you are welcome to it.

Today I read a Psalm that I have read many times before, I have referred to it several times while teaching. It's sort of a familiar friend.

But today it suddenly fit where we are right now.

Before I talk about it, let me tell you a little about where we are right now:

For months now (maybe years) R. and I have been what we can only describe as restless. We have been searching.

We have attended - and been heavily involved in our home church for -more than -the near twenty years we have been married. But we have become restless there.

For the past eight years, she and I have led a Sunday school class - called the Rhema Class. It has been an amazing experience for us. The class is made up of wonderful folks: people that will act as if the class is interesting - even if it's not; and people that are strong in prayer.

Last week, we resigned. No bitterness - no ugly scenes. I told them the turmoil we were in and that I did not have answers or even a proper explanation. And they were supportive.

See what I mean, it's a great bunch!

R. and I just felt that we should take another step and be free to listen and do whatever He wants us to do.

Now, that provides a little backdrop. This is where the Psalm comes in.

Psalm 107 provides several interesting and true-to-life scenarios or situations in which people find themselves and in each case - God provides.

There is a recurring phrase - "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"

It's about taking heart during crisis situations because of the potential for God to work on our behalf!

Here is the passage that fits us right now:

They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;

They found no city to dwell in.

Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.

And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 107:4-9 NKJV

Okay, so we are not expecting to move to another city. But we are potentially looking for the same things you go to a city for - education, food and sustenance, justice, work, other provisions.

As we watch and await God's leading, these are the things we hope to find in the ministry in which He involves us.

And while we have felt a little "desolate" and "solitary" at times, we believe that Christ will bring us to the place He has for us at this time.

This scripture was one of those -"It's okay - I know what's going on!" sort of messages for me.

I am so glad He cares enough to send those types of messages our way - through a word of encouragement from someone, or a song or written word - or sometimes through an old familiar scripture.