Genesis 26:1 Now there was a famine in the land—besides the previous famine in Abraham’s time—and Isaac went to Abimelek king of the Philistines in Gerar.
Today’s scripture is an interesting look at connections made through stream-of-consciousness thought. Commentary says of Isaac’s situation: “Though Isaac lived in the land God promised to his father Abraham and his descendants, it did not mean that life in the land would be without trouble or challenge.” The reminder of “trouble or challenge” brought to mind a poem by Annie Johnson Flynt, entitled “What God Hath Promised.”
Genesis 26:2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live.
The last stanza of that poem reads: “But God hath promised strength for the day,/Rest for the labor, light for the way,/Grace for the trials, help from above,/Unfailing sympathy, undying love.” God promised never to leave us, never to forsake us. So no matter what dark and winding road you are currently on, He is with you, right beside you, holding you, carrying you, loving you. Even now.
Genesis 26:3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.
Precious Savior, Thank You for this reminder that You are with us always. When life is going sideways, what I want is for You to make it stop. That’s not what You promise. You promise never to leave me, never forsake me. I don’t always understand Your ways, Lord, but I understand Your presence. Thank You. Amen.
Genesis 26:4-6 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions.” So Isaac stayed in Gerar.
Have a blessed day.