In your unfailing love you will lead

    the people you have redeemed.

In your strength you will guide them

    to your holy dwelling.

This was first and foremost Israel’s story. God redeemed His people out of slavery in Egypt. Then He lovingly led them through the wilderness, and finally, in His “strength” He guided them into Canaan, ‘the promised land.’

Reflecting on this beautiful verse, I find myself thinking, this is also our story and this is our song. The Lord has graciously dealt with our past, and He undertakes for our present and future:

  • He has redeemed us from slavery to sin;
  • He is leading us through all of life;
  • He will bring us home.

Someone said the idea behind “holy dwelling” is ‘homestead.’ It speaks of a shepherd’s home where He also keeps His sheep. We can say of all the believers who have gone before us through ‘the swelling torrent’ and landed ‘safe on Canaan’s side’, that they have ‘gone home’.

As the chorus of the beautiful Steve Green song, ‘Safely home’, goes: ‘They are strong, they are free. They are safe with me.’

(https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3HX2Pz3TBv4)

PRAYER: ‘Guide me O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful Hand.’