Be bold and brave. Grow like the pine. Work and ride and play that you may be strong. Talk straight. Love your brother. Give half to your friend. Honor your mother that you may honor your wife. Pray and listen.”
–Zane Grey (The Rainbow Trail)
“For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The Lord God of Heaven’s Armies is his name!”
–Amos 4:13 (NLT)
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Last week “I Pitched My Tent in Beulah Land,” but right now I’ve decided to find my “Dwelling in Beulah Land.” That chorus just won’t stop, going on three weeks now. As you read the words to this grand old song, ask yourself if you are dwelling in Beulah Land. And to change things around, I must start with the chorus first.
“I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky (praise God!)
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dray;
Oh yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.”
–C. Austin Miles
The things of this world and its vain system have no hold on me. I’ve taken off finally to the “High Lonesome.” Nope, don’t mean I’ve gone back to the high country to escape the things of this evil world, but I’m living on God’s mountain. The noise of the masses along with their lure is removed from my ear. There’s something much better than falling under the control of the monolithic idol of technology and the screams of despair.
“Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling,
Then I know the sins of earth beset on ev’ry hand:
Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling,
None of these shall move me from Beulah Land.”
The world is in chaos and confusion reigns. Man’s opinion seems to override reason and truth. There is despair and despondency and people look in vain to the gods of this world. There is safety and security upon the mountain. As long as I keep seeking and living within God’s Word none of the junk of this world lures me back. The mountain is where I’ll stay.
“Far below the storm of doubt upon the world is beating,
Sons of men in battle long the enemy withstand:
Safe am I within the castle of God’s Word retreating,
Nothing then can reach me ’tis Beulah Land.”
My storm is the tempest raging in the world. Across the land people are moaning and groaning. They dislike anything that goes against their dreams of fantasy. They suffer cruel anxieties and can find no rest, no hope. That is because they are self-centered, dreaming of being autonomous and trying to rid God from their thoughts. I find no alarm from what they say or do. They do not beckon me; they have no hold on me. They may try to find fault, but they cannot unless they completely deceive themselves. Not for me to be riled and fret for I’m going to live on the mountain.
“Let the stormy breezes blow, their cry cannot alarm me;
I am safely sheltered here, protected by God’s hand:
Here the sun is always shining, her there’s naught can harm me,
I am safe forever in Beulah Land.”
Instead of the evil in the world, I choose to look at the wondrous works of God. Instead of being wearied by man’s vain philosophies, I choose to contemplate the voice of the Lord as it comes from His Word. Instead of following the maze of man’s wonderings, I choose to follow the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit. Don’t go looking for my address down there among the pagan and heathen. Nope, I up on the high slopes living on the mountain. Enjoying the life He has given me. I am blessed beyond measure.
“Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation,
Hearing now His blessed voice, I see the way He planned:
Dwelling in the Spirit here I learn of full salvation,
Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land.”
Come on friends, look at that chorus again. Makes the toes start to wiggle. I may no longer be able to clog in the kitchen, but I can sure shuffle in the living room.
“I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky, (praise God!)
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry;
Oh, yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.”
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This day in the Texas Revolution: The Goliad Massacre–Fannin and nearly 400 Texas are executed by order of Santa Anna, while at the same time Houston and his army are camped near San Felipe de Austin.