It's been a while since I've written on this blog. I felt the Lord drawing me back here tonight so I've decided I'm going to dedicate time each week to write what I feel like He wants me to write.
wil-der-ness
= an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region
What is the wilderness?
For me, it's the seasons of life when I can't seem to hear his voice, prayer seems impossible and the last thing I want to do is pick up my bible. I think the "wilderness" looks different for each person. Maybe it's a place you've never been, maybe it's a place you can't seem to find your way out of. Maybe it's a place where you have to face your sin, your hurt; the deepest places of your heart. Being in the wilderness is scary for us but I don't think it scares Jesus one bit. God isn't afraid of sending us into the wilderness. So why do we fear it?
"I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night-- but even in darkness I cannot hide from You. To You the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to You." - Psalm 139:11-12 NLT
The wilderness is where we are tested. In Matthew 4, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit. There, He was tempted by Satan. As a response to each of Satan's schemes, Jesus remained strong in the Lord, rebuked sin and recited scripture. After 40 days, angels came and took care of Him.
I think we need to model how we behave in our seasons of wilderness after Jesus. He was steadfast, unwavering in the truth. The things we learn in the other seasons of life, serve one of their purposes when we walk into a season of wilderness. When you're tempted to fall into sin, speak scripture over yourself. Seek Him harder, even when you can't hear him.
Be reminded that Jesus doesn't leave us. He doesn't lead us into the wilderness, simply to leave us lost and alone. He is closer than we could ever imagine. Even when we can't feel or hear Him. He is near.
"You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away... You go before me and follow me... I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!" - Psalm 139:2, 5, 7 NLT
He wants to reveal things to you. He wants to show you how close He is. He wants to open your heart to new things. Let Him. Stop living with clenched fists. Open your eyes to the beautiful things around you, even when you feel lost. The God who is leading you, is a good Father. Trust Him. He will never leave you.
"But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there." - Hosea 2:14 NLT
He promises to speak tenderly to you. Like a good and loving father, He will lead you out of the mess you're in. Praise Him through it. You are not alone. He is right there with you. It is in the wilderness that we discover the beautiful and mysterious things of living for Jesus Christ.
Song of the Week:
Even When It Hurts (Praise Song) - Hillsong United
