~ "Rest from their sorrow..."

And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. (Isaiah 14:3-5)

When I look back over the past few months and see that there were more hours worked than slept, more done elsewhere than at home or with family, and that this took a severe toll on my health, I praise God!  Yes, I praise God!

I can't say for sure what today would have been like had the certain events not occurred.  I, no doubt, would have had to spend some time at work, but for the most part it would not have been spent relaxing.  I can tell you that today will be filled with quiet time, rest and relaxation, a good movie, and my furry friends.  

Isaiah writes that Babylon would be permanently destroyed.  So, too, will all those who oppose God.  In the end, all evil will be destroyed and removed from the earth forever.

"Power is transitory" (LASB).  It is often given to teach a lesson or serve a purpose.  We are cautioned about placing too much confidence in human power, because one day, that, too will fade, no matter how strong it appears to us now.

The only power that truly matters is the power of God.  It is invincible and eternal.  Fight on the side of the righteous and just and lift your voice is praise for all things, even the ones that hurt you, break you, tear you down and assault you - HE will give you rest.

~ "No more nightmares, please???"

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.(Ecc 5:3-4)

Nightmares.  Why?  It's been said that what ever we are thinking about before we fall asleep determines our dreams.  I don't know if I believe that, but I suppose there are many "dream scholars" who would disagree with me.  Solomon tells us they come from worry (nightmares, that is).  

Solomon also tells us to be open and listen to God.  We should accept what He gives us with gratitude.  Many are of the opinion that we can dictate what it is we think we should do.  

Solomon also warns us of empty promises made to God ("if you get me out of this one...").  A promise is a promise (so my children still tell me).  Promises are voluntary - we can promise to go somewhere, do something, buy something, give something.  It's when we break that promise, that vow, that we run into trouble.  It's often better to not to make a promise and to fall short than it is to make a promise and break it.  It is even better to not break a promise made to God.  Yes, God, through Jesus, forgives our shortcomings.  Imagine, if you can, where we'd be if when Jesus asked for the cup to be removed, God said "okay".  Jesus kept his promise.  We need to keep ours.

Be inspired to keep your promises.  Read the promises granted to those who came before us.  Read the promises that still lie ahead.  Pray.  Offer praise.  Be humble.  Be Christ-like.  Be HIS!