Over the last several months I have been doing a lot of walking and I have come to enjoy doing so. I walk a lot of different routes, but my favorite is out through the desert on BLM land near the house. I encounter deer on occasion, Pronghorn often, a host of ground squirrels and observe different species of birds. Plant life from a distance looks the same, yet it has a variety plant species as well. There are different types of rock along the paths I walk. The desert is a peaceful place except when the motorcycles or ATVs roar by. Yet, to walk listening to the sounds of nature makes a great backdrop for communing with and worshiping God. I have many great talks with God as I walk in the desert. I always look forward to walks in the desert with the Lord.
The Israelites when freed from the Egyptians took a long journey through the wilderness, which much of it was desert. Exodus 13:17-18 says God took the Israelites through the desert in order to keep them from turning back if they encountered the Philistines on a much quicker route. There was a lot taking place between God and His people in their departure from Egypt, but one of the most significant things was what God doing in teaching the people to depend on Him and trust Him alone. The people remained obstinate complainers throughout their journey, even demonstrating open rebellion against God at Mt. Sinai. In the desert the people could have turned to God in full trust and learned of His great love, His tremendous provision, and His sovereign rule over everything. But for most part, Israel did not learn about their God and when they came to the Promised Land had no foundation for their faith and trust in God to give them the land, so many perished in a second journey in the desert as a consequence.
What can we learn about the desert? Either you learn about God and how to trust Him or you complain and doubt only to wander aimlessly. You may feel like you are in a spiritual desert right now that seems endless, exhausting, and lifeless. Now is the time to ask God to let the desert come alive with His love, His mercy, His grace, and a give you a new song to sing. God may have you in the desert for this very purpose to draw your focus back to Him and refill you with hope.
The desert can be a beautiful time of renewal when God brings it to life as only He can. He may continue to teach you for a time as you wander there, but He always has a reason that you can trust is good. Trust God in the desert.
“They will not hunger or thirst,
The scorching heat or sun will not strike them,
For their compassionate one will guide them,
And lead them to springs.”
Isaiah 49:10