I Samuel 17:1
“Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.”
The Lord provided a land for His people. It was a miraculous carving out of a great homeland. I've heard it said that it has a climate like California. However, upon their arrival, battles ensued. They continued to this day when Saul reigned as king.
What's interesting about the promised land is that it was described as a place of rest. Joshua 1:13 says, "Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, 'The LORD your God gives you rest and will give you this land.'" We learn from this that rest doesn't mean no conflict. But a place that the Lord tells them is theirs and He is their God and will fight their battles.
Living in Canaan has been described as the victorious christian life. They Lord gives us much. He has forgiven us, promised us heaven and is with us providing guidance and comfort on a daily basis. All the restlessness in the human psyche is put to rest in Him.
However, there are enemies in the land. Israel always had to fight. It was true when they entered the land and it was always something that was part of their existence. Yet it's a land of rest.
It wasn't necessarily a judgement, except the times when they forsook the Lord. They may have been doing all the right things, still enemies would have to be addressed. This is true for us. We may be doing all things properly and the Lord is smiling upon us. Yet, we can still have conflict in our lives.
I Peter 4:12 says, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you." We are often dismayed at our difficulties. This is a great reminder from Peter. The Lord uses troublesome situations to prompt us to trust Him.
He will moderate these situations. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 'For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'” He won't allow situations to be too much. We may disagree with that. Things may feel too much. He will be there to aid us.
Lord, thank You that You work within us to make us more like You and to produce trust in us. Thank You for the peace You provide.