The Wilderness Of Peace
Deuteronomy 2:7
7 The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, you have not lacked anything
The wilderness is a metaphorical representation of the adversities we face in life. Just as in the physical wilderness, where we are surrounded by vast, unfamiliar landscapes, we encounter similar challenges that test our resilience and faith. In the wilderness, we often feel isolated and overwhelmed, unsure of which direction to take. Similarly, adversity can leave us feeling lost and alone, questioning our purpose and abilities. However, it is in these difficult times that we have the opportunity to grow and learn. Just as the wilderness provides a space for reflection and self-discovery, adversity pushes us to examine ourselves and develop character traits like perseverance, patience, and strength. In the wilderness, we learn to rely on a higher power, seeking guidance and finding sustenance in the midst of trials. Similarly, adversity can deepen our relationship with God, leading us to lean on His grace and provision. Though the wilderness and adversity can be challenging, they offer valuable lessons that shape us and enable us to emerge stronger than before.
The wilderness is also a remarkable sacred space where we can encounter the presence of God in a profound way. In Hebrew the word for wilderness is known as the midbar. We find midbar coming from the root of the Hebrew word dabar which means to speak. With midbar or wildnerness we are enveloped by divine beauty and an awe-inspiring solitude where the noise and distractions of the world fade away. This allows us to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to our hearts as He did with the Prophets of old like Moses and Elijah. The wilderness strips away our pretenses, comforts, and conveniences, leaving us vulnerable and dependent on the Creator. As we immerse ourselves in the vastness and grandeur of nature, we become aware of our smallness in the face of God's majestic creation. It is in this humility that we find restoration, clarity, and renewal of our spirits. Like the saints and prophets of old, we venture into the wilderness to seek God, where the Divine presence is palpable, often transforming us in ways we never imagined.
In the wilderness, where the chaos of the world seems distant and the distractions of everyday life fade away, our spirits become more attuned to God's voice, unfiltered by the noise of our busy lives. It is in these moments of quiet isolation that God reveals Himself, illuminating His truth and purpose for our lives. As we travel through the wilderness of life, facing our fears, doubts, and uncertainties, God speaks words of comfort, guidance, and reassurance to our souls. In the barrenness of the wilderness, God's voice whispers through the wind, His presence tangibly felt. Through His gentle nudging, we are reminded that within this vastness, we are not alone. God speaks to our hearts, providing wisdom, strength, and a profound sense of His unfailing love. Ultimately, the wilderness becomes a sacred space where we encounter God in a unique and transformative way, experiencing His voice speaking directly to the deepest parts of our souls.
Prayerful Thought: Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness Luke 4:1
“ Adversity tries great individuals, prosperity the small ones. God brings us into deep waters not to drown us, but to cleanse us !”
“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee