More About The Wilderness

Just a little more about the wilderness – The Lord accomplishes great things in us as He leads us into the wilderness. We tend to think of the wilderness as a negative experience, but think about it: The Lord was with His people day and night – by cloud and by fire; He provided manna every morning and water from the rock. The interesting thing is that the children of Israel were never more than a few days from their destination - yet they continued to wander for 40 years: 

"Wilderness" A desert, an uncultivated and uninhabited land; part of a garden left looking uncultivated and confused, mingled, a waste land.  (Oxford Dictionary)

• There are two ways that we may enter the wilderness:  God takes us in as a test and as an allurement, or we can go into a wilderness ourselves through rebellion.

If you find yourself in a wilderness – ask yourself if the Lord has you there for a purpose, of if you have refused to move on, and you are there because of rebellion. No matter the reason – you will find the Lord very near in the wilderness, and an opportunity to learn His song.

• The wilderness is a place of extremes  (extreme climate).

Your wilderness may seem like a place where you have extreme feelings – sometimes you feel close to the Lord and at other times He may seem difficult to find. Maybe your life seems to be in a turmoil of extreme ups and downs. No matter the circumstances – the Lord will open your ears to His song.

• The wilderness is a place of frustration. The children of Israel knew the goal that was before them, but there was an inability to realize that goal.

The Lord led his people into the wilderness - that the deep intent of their hearts would be revealed.

Deut. 8:2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

Wilderness Survival Technique:

a) Obedience Deut. 8:1-2; Josh 5:4–6 Make sure you listen to God’s direction and obey His every word.

b) The visitation of God (preserves our spirit). Remember the times when God has visited you - draw life and strength from those encounters - they will preserve your spirit in the dry times.  Job 10:12 You have granted me life and loving kindness. Your visitation has preserved my spirit. (WEB, KJV)

c) Take one day at a time - receive fresh manna for each day - Ex. 16:18 Stay in the Word. He feeds us every day and sustains us through the wilderness.

d) Learn how to dig wells - even in the dry places. Ps. 84:5-6  In Psalm 84, the one who is on the journey towards God’s presence learns how to make springs in the valley and receive the blessing of God’s rain This is a “double portion” of God’s refreshing coming in the wilderness. (Is. 12:3 We need to dig "…wells of salvation.")

e) e) Meet the Lord in the wilderness: Song 8:5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness, Leaning upon her beloved? Once we have met the Lord in this place, there is a new intimacy with Him. Lean on Him, commune with Him, follow Him, be changed by Him.

Whenever we go through the wilderness it is so the Lord

can show His wonders and His faithfulness

Oh...I couldn't resist this adorable picture

it has absolutely nothing to do with our study on the wilderness

-or the song of God...but it is adorable!