I love the books by Louis L’Armor and I have read every one in our town library. My favorites are the stories from the old west. In these stories, he shows how a man can live off of the land; defend himself with natural barriers and the most energy-efficient place to build a campfire or your home.

I was reminded of those books when I read today’s verse.

Jeremiah 31:2, “Thus says the Lord. The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness [place of exile] – when Israel sought to find rest.”

Louis L’Armor wrote about surviving, living and thriving in the desert. There is water and food, even in the desert. No matter what wilderness you are currently experiencing:

• poor health
• recovering from surgery
• unemployment
• a failed marriage
• an empty nest
• loneliness
• depression…

…God can bring you favor and rest in spite of it.