Lessons in the Dessert

“Behold, I will do something new; now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19

It’s not my first time here, in a desert, but it does seem to be my longest. Desert wanderings are always hard. Just like a physical desert, our lives can feel barren and hostile. It can be a desolate place—exposed and unprotected.

It’s interesting to me that when we journey through the wilderness, each of us must walk our own path. Yes, there are others here, but each has a different road to travel. While we can share, support, and encourage one another, we must each focus on the lessons God has for us in this season.

But, I have learned four things from the times I have traveled through the wilderness:

Do not compare. We cannot compare our walk with that of others. No two journeys will ever be the same. Comparison only breeds discontentment, discouragement, and bitterness.

Do not rush. We must be careful not to rush through the journey. The time we spend here is never wasted. God has a purpose for our season in the wilderness. Sometimes the journey lasts days; other times, it lasts years. Rest in the knowledge that God’s timing is always perfect.

Stay nourished. When traveling through the wilderness, we must remember to stay hydrated. Plants that survive in the desert often grow deep taproots to absorb as much water as possible. Some extend more than one hundred feet below the surface and develop vast networks of roots spreading in every direction. The believer stays nourished in the desert by growing deep roots in the Word of God.

Look for joy. There is beauty to be seen and enjoyed in the wilderness. It may be harder to find, but if you look for God’s blessings, you will see them. Joy comes when we remember that God sees our journey and walks with us every step of the way. He knows our needs and will faithfully provide for them.

We will all experience seasons of wilderness and isolation. Let us remember that this is not always a bad thing, nor is it always the result of sin. Often it is in the wilderness that we learn to rely more fully upon our God. It is here that we discover He truly is sufficient for every part of our lives.

So if you find yourself in a dry, isolated desert, seek God with an even greater thirst. Stay in His Word and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

And if you are not presently in a desert place, prepare for the day when you are by sinking your roots deeply into the Word of God.

“For the LORD your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.” — Deuteronomy 2:7