A Sanctuary for a Little Time of Trouble

Daily Devotional – Sunday, July 31, 2022
…yet I shall be a little sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.
Ezekiel 11:16 (NKJV)

When King Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem, he killed many Jews and carried others captive. He also burned down the city and the temple. Only a few poor people remained in the ruined and devastated city.

To the exiles, God had deserted His people. Only a few lucky ones would be alive to see the end of the seventy years of captivity (Jeremiah 25:11). To comfort these despondent people, Prophet Ezekiel went through the ordeal with them (Ezekiel 3:15).

I Shall Be a Sanctuary

Ezekiel had another encouraging message for the exiles:
Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Although I have cast them far off among the Gentiles, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I shall be a little sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.” ’ (Ezekiel 11:16).

Although their sanctuary (temple) in Jerusalem was no more, God promised that His presence would be with the captives for the period of the exile. The literal rendering of this verse is that God would be to them a sanctuary for a little while – the seventy years of exile.

A Sanctuary for a Little Time of Trouble

How reassuring to know that even when God allows trials in our lives, He remains with us, offering us encouragement and security until He we reach where He wants us. Even when we are paying for our sins, God does not desert us.

If you are going through hard times, remember God’s presence is with you. He is your refuge and comforter when your circumstances do not make sense and hope fades. When your enemies appear to triumph and your pain is unbearable, hold on to the Almighty God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my sanctuary and mainstay in my times of troubles.