“The wilderness can be a sacred place. God uses these times to teach us things as He takes us toward something better.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 20, 2023
Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. Hosea 2:14
When our hearts are sorrowful, it can sometimes feel like we are walking through the wilderness. Yet, if you’ve ever gone hiking, walking through the wilderness can often bring a sense of peace.
As we walk along the path, there is beauty that surrounds us. Often, those walks bring a sense of calm and serenity. We may need this if our hearts are broken and searching for healing. Instead of the wilderness being a dark place, it can be a place where we find peace, direction, and inspiration.
As an introvert, quiet places are energizing for me. We live near a lake that has beautiful walking paths winding through the woods that follow the lake shore. On the days when my heart has been heavy, after walking there, I feel lighter.
It’s also on those walks where I can hear from my Heavenly Father. I can feel his peace surrounding me and without the distractions of other things, He can minister to my heart. Something I may not have previously been able to see or hear becomes more apparent and visible to me.
As one grieves, there is a dark, lonely, and isolating period of walking in the wilderness. Can you imagine what it must have been like to be Moses as he led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 long years?
The wilderness can be a sacred place. God uses these times to teach us things as He takes us toward something better. From a spiritual perspective, being in the wilderness can be a time of renewal or an encounter with God, like Moses and the burning bush.
When we come face-to-face with sorrow and suffering, we can wonder where God is and why he has allowed certain things to happen to us. Or we can see that He will use whatever challenges we face for His good and what He wants to do in our life story.
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT).
Prayer
Lord, thank you for showing me that there is beauty in the wilderness. Thank you for creating within me a heart that longs for you, trusts you and eyes that see you will ultimately turn all things into something for your good.
Application
Consider going for a walk today. Keep your heart and ears open to a word from your Heavenly Father as he will minister to you along the way.
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 32:10; Isaiah 40:3-5; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:13
Worship Resource
Brooke Ligertwood with Brandon Lake: Honey in the Rock
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