“The Wilderness Will Lead You”
I long for this time of year where once again I steal into our backyard to inhale the aroma of springtime. The orange tree decorated with its pristine white blossoms beckons me to breathe deeply of the hope wafting through the air on the season’s scent. While I linger close enough to be covered in its aroma, I remain a safe distance from the busy, hard-working bees.
While hope dances in the promise of these blossoms, hope is also found far from creation replete with its buds. In the wilderness, where the earth is parched and dry sticks litter the sand, the whistling wind calls me to find my soul’s hope in this season’s Lenten journey. (click to tweet)
From my early days as a Christian, there was a haunting melody and lyrics that called my restless heart into the quiet, thirsting for the water that only Jesus could provide. I hope these lyrics speak to your heart as well. The Lord desires for us to know the fullness of His love that is greater than anything else occupying space in our hearts.
“Hosea”
“Come back to me with all your heart
Don’t let fear keep us apart.
Trees do bend, though straight and tall;
so must we to others call.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me
and living deeply our new life.
The wilderness will lead you to your heart where I will speak.
Integrity and justice with tenderness you shall know.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me
and living deeply our new life.”
©1972, 1994
The Benedictine Foundation of the State of Vermont, Inc
Have you ever noticed how often God spoke to His people in the wilderness? I don’t think I did until I researched this Scripture. We are all familiar with the Holy Spirit leading Jesus into the desert (wilderness) for 40 days and nights. But in the Old Testament, the Father led His children into the wilderness and through it to touch and test their hearts.
“… in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:31 NIV
Will you follow Him into the wilderness this Lent, (click to tweet) abandon your idols, and find the longings of your heart filled to overflowing?
From My Heart To Yours,
Linking with: Sunday Stillness; Scripture and a Snapshot;
I’m living a wilderness season of sorts currently, but I know that God is still with me. I am learning to hear and see Him in different ways.
We were just discussing this in Sunday school yesterday! So many of spiritual milestones follow wilderness or desert times in our lives! Thanks for sharing, Janis!
I love this Janis. It is a good reminder that wilderness is not always a bad thing.
I am finding myself in a *wilderness* right now, and quite frankly, I’m struggling. I do know that the Lord is here, and He has some purpose for the dryness I am feeling. Oh that He would bring His comfort and peace to me…
I know He will reveal Himself in this dark and lonely place.
GOD BLESS.
This is a beautiful post, Janis. I have found that we never emerge from our time in the wilderness quite the same as we entered. Praying that will be true of this Lent season for us both. Blessings!
Beautiful post… the wilderness seasons of my life is where Abba Father has revealed to me many precious secrets, but only after an intense period of being purified and cleansed. There, in the wilderness, He transformed my Valley of Achor into a Door of Hope.
It’s hard to see the beauty of growth the wilderness brings. It can be a time of loneliness and isolation but a needful experience nonetheless.
I have learned the wilderness, desert and valley of the shadow are some of the sweetest places to be for there I sensed the presence of my Lord in a way far more powerful and comforting than in times of peace, stability and security. He wants us to Trust Him and sometimes the wilderness is the best place to discover the faithfulness of the Father who said He would meet all of our needs.
Keeр this going please, great job!