“Wealthy place” is a phrase that sparks a glint of joy in the eyes of many believers. The phrase comes from Psalms 66:11 & 12 (KJV), which says:
11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. 12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. (Emphasis mine)
To be sure, these verses speak of relief following tremendous trials. Going through fire and water are extremes of discomfort, so being brought out into “the wealthy” place sounds like a really good deal – and it is. But it many not be the good deal that you expect.
Elisha refusing the gifts of Naaman, by Pieter de Grebber 1630
Wealthy Place: Blessings In Disguise?
In earlier posts, we covered some key points in Psalms 66: 11 & 12 that tell us about deliverance from fiery trials. We covered the not so obvious word meanings that tell us that deliverance from fiery trials might involve solutions that are “blessings in disguise.” The solutions that the Lord sends our way might be things we actually despise. This brings to mind the account of Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5). Naaman was the powerful leader of the Syrian army, but he had a dreaded disease – leprosy. A servant referred him to the prophet Elisha for a cure.
Naaman Thought His Solution Was an Insult
Elisha did not personally come out and greet Naaman, but rather sent instructions for him to wash in the river Jordan 7 times. Naaman felt insulted because Elisha did not acknowledge his status. He was also insulted by being told to wash in the lowly, muddy river, Jordan. He did not want the water from the river Jordan to have any role in putting out the fire of his leprosy. Naaman had preconceived notions about how his cure would be brought about, and would have died a leper if he had not listened to the advice given him by a servant-girl who advised him that obedience was a small thing that should follow sound advice, whether high or lowly. In short, Naaman followed Elisha’s instructions. He dipped 7 times in the river Jordan, and his “flesh was restored as the flesh of a little child..”
Be Careful: Rejected Answers Might Cause You to Miss Your Wealthy Place
Like Naaman, some people might find difficult solutions acceptable because they assume that physical wealth will follow. To be sure, the “wealthy place” that comes after we go through fire and water might involve money or complete restoration of health. But the word translated as “wealthy” in Psalms 66:12 also means: “satisfaction” and “runneth over.” So the wealth that comes after fiery trials might be a “blessing in disguise.” For example, it might be a simple thing like acceptance of your circumstances. Satisfaction with a job well done. Inner peace after an unexpected set back. All these gifts are grace. As in “My grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
It’s very easy to speak of our appreciation for God’s grace when we talk about miracles and benefits of salvation. Not so many people would opt for grace alone in a situation that demands money to pay bills or keep a roof over their head. While grace may not send someone over to hand you a check, it can give you the inner peace you need to create effective strategies that will carry out what your situation needs.
The Wealthy Place Might Be Intellectual or Emotional Riches
In a quiet moment, the Lord might bring someone to mind who can help you network to find a better job. He may change the heart of a spouse so that they can better work with proper management of funds. You might get peace and creativity that reignite a talent you had neglected that the Lord wants you to use. The Lord may lead you to start your own business or write a book. These solutions don’t make a lot of noise. Situations that don’t make a lot of noise are often overlooked. Is there something is the midst of your storm that you need to take a second look at?
No Riches Greater Than God’s Grace
God’s grace is not a pauper’s pension. It is riches beyond measure, in part because it comes with inner peace. Half the fire in a fiery trial is the turmoil in your own soul. Many are the men and women who would give all their vast fortunes for satisfaction and relief from inner strife.
So the next time all hell breaks loose with a fiery trial in your life, and you see a dog coming down the street, remember, water is water. Thank the Lord and move on into the riches of satisfaction and inner peace waiting for you in His grace.
May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Your friend in Christ,
-Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Updated July 9, 2016
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