Desert

Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” Exodus 15:22-24

They went into a desert…

I’ve never been in one. But I know that deserts are dry and hot. What survives the harshness of the environment are plants and animals that have creatively adapted themselves to the environment. High temperatures rise during the day and strong winds blow. Rain and dew are sparse. Nights are much cooler, but the following day, the temperatures relentlessly rise again.

Deserts hold so much fascination. There are no sounds of cities, neighbors and noise. Not many distractions are found there. All around is simply raw nature.

There is also so much beauty: the colors of the ever-changing sky, a different sky in every direction, the whirling forms of the sand dunes and the tracks made by desert animals.

The needs in the desert are simple: light clothing by day and warm wraps by night, sustenance of food and, of course, water.

That’s why thirst was very real for the children of Israel. They were probably exhausted and confused as they looked at the sites around them. The desert wasn’t what they pictured freedom to look like.

Yet, the desert was for them a place of God’s testing. When there was no food or water, and temperatures and tempers were high, would the Israelites turn to Him in their emotional and physical desperate need?

For us, we don’t have to go to the desert to experience some of these things. We’re in and out of “deserts” all through our days, sometimes months and sometimes years.

The desert is God’s school of holiness where He wants to show Himself strong through the extreme basic needs of our lives. Everything we truly crave narrows down to only a few things (wants aren’t even in the picture except to want Him).

Some desert moments happen, however, within our souls in the midst of everything we could possibly want or need. God sometimes calls us even in plenty. It happens during life’s trials, and it happens when we choose scarcity of earth’s things (the plenty) just to wander alone with Him without the distractions.

When we’re in the desert, issues of our past sometimes surface to be examined. We meet God in the hard, raw work that must be done. The deepness of the endeavor makes us momentarily forget our needs, much less our wants, and we dive into Him with all we have. The moment is devoid of other voices and of touch, except the hope of the touch of God.

In some desert seasons, we search the horizons for Him, but we strain our eyes only to see nothing, we listen to the howling, harsh winds, but nothing else can be heard though we beg Him to speak. We feel no one’s touch. All of our needs and wants seem to be screaming louder than ever.

The waiting is hard in the presence of His holy silence.

Everything seems stripped from us, and all we can think about are those things that would bring comfort, now. But they become stripped from us one by one. And even more, we hunger for what we think will satisfy.

As the desert clock ticks its time, and day after day our expectations of earth are not met, God steps in and makes Himself known, sometimes in the sunrise, other times in the hug of a friend. He is what we wanted all along. He meets our every need.

Only God…

This is the purpose of the desert: to come to the place where our minds our obsessed with our Father and all else fades into the distance.

Others around us enter their own desert places. We cannot hurry up their desert or fix it to make it better. These harsh, dry spells in their lives must be met in God’s timing and in His way. We can sit with them and watch and pray. Our offerings of water and food are left on their doorsteps. We soothe the blisters on their lips, shoulders and feet. Comfort comes from our help, but we cannot walk through their desert for them.

We wait in the presence of God’s holy silence.

In each of our deserts, we never know what will happen next, a metaphorical wind storm, a cool breeze in the night, a newly found spring of clear cool water or a terrible feeling of loss and forsakenness.

The Israelites had not found water for 3 days. What water they found was too bitter to drink.

Verses 25 says, “Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.

What kind of God puts people into a desert and makes them thirsty enough that all they want is relief, and the only source of relief is Him?

Our God does, for a purpose.

This is their test! This is what they must learn.
This is our test, too!

He is always there in the desert with us, no matter what we may be led to think. He simply wants us to call out His name. He wants us to trust even when we don’t see, hear or feel Him.

HE IS OUR GOD.

Even after the emotional high of the walk on dry ground through the Red Sea, with giant waves standing erect on both sides, the Israelites still needed to know that they would be cared for.

God needed to know that they would lean on Him for every turn in the road.

He went on to give His instructions, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Lord, show us how to creatively adapt to you wherever you lead us, even if it is to the depths of a spiritual desert. We may think in our minds that we want you to adapt to us and our desires. Yet, Father, truly you are THE Healer of our bodies, spirits and souls. In our deserts, help us in the harsh wind to imagine your breath breathing into us, life! Help us as we watch the silent sky to picture your artistic fingers painting it only for our eyes. Help us in the lack of touch, to feel your kiss on our cheeks from the dew in the morning breeze. Help us to finally experience the joy of the desert simply because YOU are there. We believe you are always there, and though things seem utterly lost at times, you will make a way for us in the desert and streams in the wastelands. Thank you, Jesus. In your name, I pray, Amen.

Famine Flower

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8).

This week I’ve been thinking about the famines of Bible times. People had to move far away to sustain their lives. Famines can be an upheaval in a person’s life, not just famines of food scarcity. There can be famines of the mind through depression and famines of health through disease.

Today, I want to talk about the famines of the spirit, the drying up of sacred places where God wants to dwell.

It may be easier to spot spiritual famine in other people. But I am so grateful when the Holy Spirit breaks through to my wayward heart, holds up a mirror to my face, and all at once I see the plank in my eye. Conviction is not an easy thing, but acting on truth is so much more peaceful than living a lie.

“You think that you are better than your brother. But you are not. First, you must take the big piece of wood out of your own eye. Then your eyes will be clear and you will see well. After that, you can take the small piece of wood dirt out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5 Easy English Bible).

In a drought, if a person discovers a rare source of high quality food and water, he will want to share it with his community so all can partake of the bountiful provisions.

If a person finds a source of spiritual sustenance (Jesus), he will want to share his findings with others. Not everyone will listen. Not everyone will come and drink of the life-giving water.

Sometimes, I am the one who doesn’t listen.
It’s why I caution myself. Because of the nature of my flesh, I am endlessly tempted. Sin attracts me, so subtle, at times, that I can’t see my own sin. I picture myself handing Christ out to others as I would food and water in a famine. Yet, I still have that big piece of wood in my eye. I can’t afford to stop looking for the famine of the Spirit within me. In my humanity, I’ll always be susceptible to sin’s power.

Question I ask myself: What is my famine of the Spirit?

“The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:2-3).

While I ask God to open my ears, reveal my sins and repent of them, there is a natural tendency to seek others who will listen to my pitiful story. My story is born of weakness and pain, and sometimes, blindness to what’s in my heart. It is covered with the heroic event of Jesus’ death on a cross, but the enemy still lingers near to make me forget the holy event and shrivel, wither and die in my famine.

As I share my life’s circumstances, I feel the winds of drought attempting to blow hard on the Spirit within. God is helping me see my pride and arrogance. I am recognizing too many words from my mouth and a know-it-all attitude. I repent of these things out in the open for all to see. I accept Jesus’ blood and Holy Spirit working in me. The opposite of what the enemy wants happens every time I yield to my Father, and I begin to bloom and flower in the midst of what seems dry.

The biggest phenomenon in my heart is the desire to know God! I want to lean on Him to win all my battles for me. I want to be a humble woman. I want to share what I have in purity and reverence before the Father, even in times of drought.

That is the first thing I am learning about famines.

The second idea is this: There are some famines from which God moves me away to a land of plenty. I am feeling His bounty more than I’ve ever felt it before. In part, it is because HE is my land of plenty. Everything around me feels lush and overflowing. Yet I am also physically in a place of blessing and rest. In this, I am aware that rest doesn’t last forever, and I must use this time to be ready to deal with the famines that are to come (in me and in others).

This leads to the third idea. Joseph was forced out of his home and away from his family to take on slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37). This terrible event happened for the purpose of eventually promoting him to become second in authority to Pharoah himself. During the seven years of plenty, he was to prepare for the seven years of famine that would follow. Among the many he rescued from death included his own family, who came a long distance to live near him.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

Question for myself: What if I KNEW that seven years (or seven days) of spiritual drought were coming (in me or in someone I love) and there was nothing I could do to stop it? How would I prepare for it?

What about the season of drought YOU are experiencing now? How might your mindset change from panic, anger, and fear to one of strong trust in the Lord, forgiveness for your offenders and intentional time spent in preparing for the worst possible conditions life can throw at you?

There is a difference, for example, between how my flesh wants to treat a rude person and how God moves my thoughts to prepare me for a FAMINE through that person. The former makes me feel controlled and powerless. It causes me to want to react more than respond. The latter promotes something entirely different. I am empowered with energy to seek God and His ways. I see the rude person with new eyes.

In all this, first of all, the famine isn’t really a person. The famine is a naturally occurring evil that I need to face and address within the realities of the situation.

I need to prepare for upcoming interactions with the rude person as Joseph prepared for the seven years of famine.

I ALWAYS have access to what I need in Christ. The granaries are full to the brim and overflowing. God is moving in the situation. I need to be aware of what He wants me to do and how He wants me to respond.

Perhaps this person is on the verge of a breakthrough in Christ, and my kind, frank or silent response (as God leads) is the only example he will have that will open him to commit to a life with Jesus the Lord.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:7-8).

Second, his rudeness is not the result of something ‘I’ did wrong. Sometimes, in other people’s famines, I begin to think that because of their attitudes towards me, I am the one who messed up or am lacking in something they should have received from me. The guilt can be paralyzing.

In reality, the famine is the culprit. Not me and not him. There is nothing I can do to stop the famine. The fact of its presence results in seeking wisdom to be armed and prepared and to treat people separate from their “famines.” Hate the famine, not the person. Get up and fight the famine. Don’t let IT hinder your work in the Lord.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Daily, I go to God for my food and water, and He equips me for what is to come. I am supplied for all my needs ahead of time to face the famine in me and in others.

Lord, rain on me and help me to grow as a flower in the midst of the deserts around me. Let me brighten a dull world. Let me smile when others frown. Give me provisions that I may freely pass on to others. And help me to receive the provisions you pass on to me from them. Help me to hold up my head in confidence and joy. Forgive me when I allow the dryness into my own soul. I turn to Jesus, the spring of life, and drink always from his quenching well. I pray in His name, Amen.

Fields of Green

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 4:12-13).

I look out over the fields of green. My needs are MET (not in small portions, but in abundance).

At the beginning of each day, I make a mental or physical list of things to do and how I think the day should go. On my list are my most important projects and tasks. This is a reasonable and great practice. However, my heart remains alert and aware of what God wants altered that day for His will.

Sometimes, in the chaos of the hours I spend, I watch as some of my fields seem to dry up as the day or month or year progresses. This world takes from me. It is sometimes harsh, cruel, and unfair. I feel like I am somehow being robbed of (health, identity, dreams, longings, love). It is humiliating to find myself in the outsider’s box when there was a time I had a place at the table. The fields before, behind and beside me seem wilted and barren.

What the world takes from me, I realize, in God’s eyes, apparently isn’t something I need. What green pastures wither, He has something greener, in the restoration of what was lost or in other provisions, but mostly within His presence.

The undersized green patch on which I stand appears to be my only source of blessing: time and space have cut everything else away (or so it seems).

Yet, on my one square of plenty (where my toes hang off the edge), I find contentment. God knows how to multiply His blessings from miniscule beginnings. He knows how to make something from nothing. The square is, in fact, overflowing, though I may not see it. His provision is enough for now. And now is all that matters.

This field is not my home. It is only the temporary place where I dwell. Yet, I hear the Father call my name. Not only does He ask me to be content, He asks me to share my little piece of green field, wholeheartedly with others.

Not only does He ask me to share, He asks me to contribute my square to the very world that takes all the pieces of green from me. He asks me to give of myself as He did on the cross.

How? Here’s what I’ve come up with:

My expectations of the green fields to yield its fruits to me are not where my expectations should be. (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).)

I am to go with the flow of having a lot or a little (money, food, support, attention), and I know that God has purposes in either situation. The secret of being content is to place my expectations on Him alone.

I must seek to be flexible with the ups and downs of my life, people’s flaws and my own limitations.

I am not their judge. I am a lover sent by a Loving God (a God who shows by His actions that He means business; after all, He sent His only Son to die for me). God made me to love.

There is good that comes from training myself not to become agitated over much of anything. When something disturbs my composure, it is an opportunity for me to grow. It is a chance for me to represent God in patience, kindness and forgiveness. The disturbance is my ticket to ride on the breath of God while He shows off his greatness.

Somehow, there seems to be the need for a sort of holy detachment from this world (and what it has to offer) that keeps me focused on the Lord.

Jesus had this quality when He walked the earth. He had to in order to prioritize His Father’s will and not get sucked in by the pulls or temptations of the world.

This holy detachment is not emotionless and robotic. It is a choice to be all in, but also to let the heart be replenished by an utmost care for God’s kingdom. It is a chance to extravagantly love Him more than all else that is held dear (using actions).

Feelings are real and they matter. Yet, when I worship Him, the feelings don’t seem as big and scary.

The pains of life never completely go away. I will always struggle within my trials or hurts. However, I wonder what my life would be like without Him? I can’t imagine. Not having my Lord would be worse than not having everything else.

Most of the time, the tiny square is how I live my life (though, in reality, I truly possess acres of fields of green from God’s hands). On earth I just don’t always feel it. I’m learning to feel it in a deeper place of my heart. In the meantime, I’m learning to have faith to enjoy things I do not physically see.

Last week, as I was severing myself from the wants of this earth, finding contentment and joy in my life and pouring out my love to those around me, I received an astonishing gift.

The package came in the form of words that deep down, I longed to hear, words that I thought had been set in stone on the opposite side. I had relinquished this gift long ago and my eyes filled with tears the moment the words were spoken.

I didn’t weep because the gift was solid, sure, nourishing, or filling. My tears happened because the gift showed me that hearts of our people can soften and that God’s love is deep and broad and high. It showed me that miracles still occur today! It reminded me not to depend on the gift but to adore the giver, who ultimately is God.

At the same moment another package came. Two days later yet another arrived, and then another.

My pasture wasn’t any greener because of these gifts. In fact, my fields are always bright and thriving. Yet, God allowed the gifts to help me feel His undying love. The seeming desert of earth I had learned to cherish and enjoy came alive, and now I could see the fountains flowing. I could taste the clear cool water on my tongue.

I was overwhelmingly amazed to my core. That’s the way gifts should be: unexpected and breathtaking.

The reason why earthly gifts are not solid and sure is because they can be hindered or withheld the next time around. They can change colors in an instant, be broken or lost.

The only sure gifts we have are from God, and they can never be taken from us.
As I think about what I received this week, my mind isn’t on those gifts at all, not anymore. My mind is on what heavenly offerings I have in the green fields around me. Here are some of God’s gifts as shown in his word:

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
(His gifts are perfect.)
I Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
(The gifts Peter is referring to are special talents God has given to each of us. These gifts aren’t to be hoarded but shared.)
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(His greatest gift is eternal life with Him.)
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
(God gives us grace when we have sinned. Thank you, God!)
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
(God gave His own Son.)
Matthew 7:11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
(God’s gifts are far better [on a different level] than our attempts at giving.)
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
(Wisdom is a gift from God.)
Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (The Holy Spirit is a gift.)
Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
(Children are a gift from God.)
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
(God doesn’t withhold good things from us.)
Psalm 37:1-5 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
(God knows what we need, and He provides.)

Father, I know you will provide everything I need when you ask me to give. My patch of green is a holy place where you support me with your strong hand. You are my God, and I am your child. I do my work of the day as if I am doing it for you alone. Forgive my attitude when my thoughts take me elsewhere. Help me to be grateful for all the blessings you bestow. Make me aware of your presence and your gifts of love. Thank you for salvation and grace and for giving me your Holy Spirit forever. Thank you for never leaving me alone and for your perfect gifts. I love you, Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen.

The following song tells of our need to GIVE ourselves wholly to the Father of us all and keep our days completely open to what he wants us to do.