Embracing The Wilderness

I love nature. I love everything about it, from scrutinizing the intricate trail of the tiniest of ants to gazing in awe at the mightiest majestic mountains forming the backdrop of God’s glory. Nature is my thing. I will take a hike in the wild over an all expense paid trip to any amusement park…any day. My Girl Scouts used to call me “Nature Girl!” My happiest times are basking in the outdoors. Did I mention that I love nature?!?

The wilderness is especially intriguing to me. Perhaps because I haven’t spent much time there. I have travelled through the desert on trips to lusher destinations, but the desert has yet to become the target of any of my adventures. I live a short distance west of the Mojave Desert and several times have thought about exploring its barren terrain. Usually these thoughts are fleeting after viewing the weather forecast. Temperatures nearing 120 degrees under the scouring sun somehow just don’t sound enticing! Nonetheless, I am amazed at how the tortoise, sidewinder and Joshua Tree can survive such long periods of intense heat without rain. I marvel at the beautiful red rocks at the outskirts of Death Valley. I can truly appreciate the beauty of this desolate landscape. Although an amazing place, I would not want to call this home, or even a likely vacation choice.

I think my travel adventures parallel my preference for the various seasons of my life. Of course, when given the choice I would opt for times of plenty rather than scarcity, and camaraderie over strife. However, that is not how life always goes. No matter how disciplined we are, how much money we have or how well we take care of ourselves, we cannot escape the burdens and hardships that result from living human lives. Everyone goes through various wilderness seasons.

I’ve been thinking about the wilderness seasons in my life. I sometimes get frustrated because it feels like I have more wilderness than promise land, especially in the area of finances. More often than not it seems like the paycheck runs out before the bills are paid. Luxury vacations and impulse buys are a rarity, if even ever an option. Savings and reserves just don’t exist. And if I’m not careful I am prone to adopt a “woe is me” attitude that accompanies the lack.

I am coming to accept that the wilderness actually has more to do with my mindset than my actual circumstances. During fiscal droughts it is all too easy to focus on what I don’t have. Thoughts that dwell on my scarcity reflect the condition of my afflicted heart, afflicted not because of the shortage of physical resources, but rather a shortage of trust and faith that God will fulfill His promise to never leave me or forsake me. Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Regardless of what my bank balance shows, or how much income verses expenses are on the horizon, God will make a way in my wilderness. The longer I keep my face turned from His provision, the longer I will stay in my perceived wasteland.

The bible tells of the account of the Israelites in the wilderness after being set free from slavery. Every day God provided for their physical needs. He gave them Manna from Heaven and kept their clothes from wearing out. Yet, instead of recognizing the daily miracles, they grumbled and hardened their hearts. If they had chosen to truly give thanks to the Lord instead of dwelling on what they didn’t have, God would have delivered them from the wilderness and brought them to the Promise Land in as little as 11 days. Wow, 40 years for an 11-day journey all because of a misguided mindset and ungrateful heart.

I have the power to choose to live in the promise land, even when I am at the end of my bank account, with bills still stacking up, vehicles breaking down and home repairs needing to be made…and be content with what I have…with the realization of how truly blessed I am. I can also allow myself to be stressed and miserable even when the bank account is padded. While in the dry seasons if I fixate on God my faith will mature and I will be able to embrace the beauty the wilderness has to offer. I need to obey His commands and be generous. By choosing to give Him my first fruits, no matter how small, and helping others, I will discover a loveliness that I would not otherwise be able to experience.  In nature some of the greatest beauty is found on the toughest terrains, and I can only imagine the same is true in the desert. I don’t have to set up camp in the wilderness, or make it my home, but I can enjoy the journey knowing it is only for a season.  

Dear Lord, please help me to see You and focus on You in the wilderness seasons of my life. Help me to not be consumed by my circumstances, but to embrace the beauty in the lessons You have for me. Thank You for Your promise to never leave me or forsake me. Amen.

Verses for reflection:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV

 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 ESV