Meet God in the Wilderness

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11

Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter (excluding Sundays). During this time of reflection, we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter. The number forty in the Bible often symbolizes a period of testing or renewal. The rains fell forty days while Noah was on the ark. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Moses spent forty days on Mount Sinai receiving the ten commandments. Elijah traveled for forty days and nights to Mount Horeb. And Jesus fasted and prayed during His forty-day trial in the desert.

God used a version of wilderness to separate individuals or group of individuals, from the chaos and influence of the world around them and often to test their faith. We may encounter wilderness situations when we endure pain or difficulties in our lives. The obstacles we face may be physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. But Isaiah 58:11 reminds us, we are not alone in the wilderness. God is there to guide us, provide for us, and strengthen us.

I have gathered many of the “Wilderness Situations” portrayed in the Bible to examine these stories and understand their application in our lives. And to recognize the ‘springs of water’ God created along the way.

Lord, use this Lent season to guide me, provide water for my soul and strengthen me. May I become like an ever-flowing spring. Amen