“¹⁶Therefore say, ‘Thus says the LORD God: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone.’” – Ezekiel 11:16 (ESV)

The LORD is our sanctuary. Not some land or building, but the LORD Himself. In the passage above, Ezekiel is seeing the LORD God and how He had removed the people of Israel into exile, yet He was not away from them. The people, even as they were scattered all across the land, they were able to find solace in the LORD and His closeness to them as they were away. This is a statement to us as well. The LORD is with us wherever we may be. He is where we should dwell and find comfort there.

“¹⁹And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, ²⁰that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” – Ezekiel 11:19-20 (ESV)

And what do we get for remaining in the LORD, we receive a new heart, one of flesh renewed to keep the commands of the LORD. We will be comforted and feel the presence of the LORD with us and we will follow Him fully.

“²¹But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the LORD God.” – Ezekiel 11:21 (ESV)

But there are and will be those who are not finding sanctuary in the LORD Himself. There will be those who are looking for the physical safety net as opposed to relying on God. For those, they will keep their heart of stone and will ultimately be subject to the world and will not be renewed to follow and obey the LORD.

I don’t know about you, but I am looking always for the renewal of my heart. I sit here in the morning praying to the LORD for guidance and safety and comfort and direction and wisdom and discernment that I know only comes from Him. I work to find sanctuary in the LORD and know that if/when I truly do, I will find a renewed heart guiding me to follow and obey the LORD.

Where are you looking for renewal of your heart? Are you staying on the things of this world? What if you gave yourself to the LORD Himself for sanctuary, knowing that He will renew your heart?