DESERT TIMES

“Lord, what do You want me to read today?”  Rarely do I get a specific verse when I ask God that question, but this time…

Usually, it’s just a certain chapter to read. What’s so important about that verse? I wondered as I flipped through my Bible.

“…the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness” (Luke 2:32 NIV). The Weymouth New Testament reads, “a message from God came to John”

“Lord, why are you directing me to this verse?”

I meditated on the words until clarity came.

The original Greek for ‘word’ in the above verse is rhema, meaning a spoken word. John was living in the wilderness or desert when God spoke to him.

Are you in a wilderness right now? Wondering what God wants you to do? Struggling with a decision or a relationship issue? Does the Bible seem dry, like a desert? Does God seem silent?

It’s easy to get discouraged—maybe God isn’t interested in our dilemma, or He’s too busy with more important matters. The truth is, He does care about what we are going through. Desert times are bleak—no joy, no zest for living, no direction—but it is in the desert times that God can truly get our attention.

The winds right now are gusting at 50 mph. Sometimes it feels like everything in my life is wind-blown and out of order. But God is assuring me through that verse that He will speak to me (and to you) in those desert places. It’s in the desert places that we can hear him more easily if we expect Him to speak to us, and if we wait on Him.

It’s easier to focus on what is not happening, or to make decisions just to avoid the discomfort of waiting.

But when we wait for His still small voice and His perfect timing, we gain access to the unlimited wisdom of the Creator of the Universe. He has a personalized answer for every issue. He will speak to us in our desert, if we trust Him and expect Him to answer.

When the winds of doubt, confusion and anxiety are blowing through your thoughts, ask the Holy Spirit to quiet your mind and emotions and to take away the distractions. Pray some simple prayers such as: “I trust You, Lord. I want Your best in this situation. I am willing to wait on You. Give me ears to hear You and eyes to see You.”  

We are never alone. His Holy Spirit dwells within us. Listen for His voice and wait expectantly for Him. 

“Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You” (Psalm 33:22 AMP).