~ "Shouting praises to God for His goodness..."

Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. (Joshua 23:15)

We know that Joshua knew the nation's weaknesses.  We know he reminded them to follow the Law of Moses.  He reminded them about keeping the line pure.  Joshua was dying.  He called the leaders of the nation together to give them their final instructions and encourage them to follow God's commands.

There are countless stories throughout the Bible to show that Israel had to suffer because they failed to follow God's commands.  God was loving and patient with Israel, just as He is with us today.  We shouldn't confuse patience with approval.  Not all things are what they seem to be.  

When we pray, demanding our way (as opposed to God's way), we may just get what we've asked for, along with all it's consequences.  This is where praying for God's will (not what we want or what we think we want) comes into the picture.  Praise and thanksgiving for all the things we have and for the things we don't lets Him know that we are doing our best to be obedient (although we will never be perfect).  

Our Heavenly Father will give us all we need.  He's promised that.  He will take care of us until He calls us home. Pray often.  Thank Him everyday.  Shout Hallelujah every chance you get.  Give Him the praise He deserves and He will bless you!

~ "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.