desert
[noun]
A vast, arid land pocketed by oases of water and blooming cacti. In faith, a desert symbolizes a time of struggle, uncertainty, or profound searching. But, Jesus teaches us that the deserts in our lives can restore us, ushering in wisdom and rebirth.
Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. He was hot,tired and thirsty. But, as Scripture tells us, the devil kept right on pestering him: “Where is your God? Why are you hungry? If your God is so great, why do you have nothing to drink?”
However, Jesus said no to the devil. He said it’s possible to know hunger and thirst and still be beloved by God. It’s possible to know sorrow and loss and pain, and still be beloved by God.
We all spend time in deserts. Sometimes we create them; other times they are thrust upon us. Our sense of who we are grows louder when we are lost, when we cannot see our next step, and when there is nothing to do but trust. It’s how we wake up to our truest selves and the presence of the holy in our midst.
Remember: no desert is forever, and God is with you.
Dear God,
Just as Jesus endured the challenges of being in the desert, and was tempted but continued persevering and trusting in your grace and mercy, I continue to strive to do the same. Hold my hand and walk with me through the deserts of my life. It is hard to see that there is an oasis of hope and change during this spiritual drought. I trust in Your divine plan for me. Amen.
How is God walking with you?
