I love to be out in the wild. The sounds of nature at night are so restful. The tent that I have has a mesh roof and if there is no inclement weather and the rain fly is off the sky is viewable. Oh the beauty and expanse of the universe, but this cannot be seen unless one gets out into the wilderness away from light pollution of the big cities. The beauty of the wind whipped and sun filled grasslands and the majesty of the mountains. Our beautiful flickering streams and rivers that flow into lakes glistening in sun light. The fog of an early morning rising off a lake as beams of light shoot through surrounding trees. Yes, the wilderness is beautiful.
But the wilderness is also a dangerous and deadly place. Without proper training and tools a person can get lost and die in the wilderness. Steps must be taken while sharing the wilderness with the wild inhabitants to protect oneself from being a threat or prey.
Our lives can have wilderness experiences in them as well. This occurs when we are between spiritual high points in our walk. The point is, if we never get stretched we can never get stronger. A person who works out with weights must push their muscles to enhance their strength. An athlete who runs must push their body to accomplish a marathon. So the wilderness experiences we have are there to strengthen us and build our spiritual endurance.
The children of Israel went on a journey between Egypt and the Promised Land. The journey should have been about two weeks but God had to change them…they endured the wilderness for forty years.
“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2 NLT
God uses the wilderness experiences to prove our spiritual character. Do we have the faith and patience to endure and trust Him? Is our spiritual muscle strong enough to stretch some more? Are we prepared to go the distance?
Lord teach me in the wilderness to keep my eyes and thoughts steadfastly on you. Show me the tools and steps to take as I journey along the trail with you. Reveal to me the wonders of your creation so that I might glorify your name. With thanksgiving I travel through my wildernesses, for I know the fulfillment and joy that await me on the other side. Praises and honor to you oh God. In Jesus name, amen.
Thoughts 