We can enter into the desert times of life, feeling alone, wandering seemingly aimlessly day after day; we can feel parched by circumstances and the thirst of our souls can intensify; we can feel lost, hopeless, and abandoned by those closest to us; we can feel the threat of others who would like to see our demise. In these times, we must remember what we know to be true; to focus on what has been revealed to us in the past and stated in the Scriptures. Our God has not forgotten us; He has not abandoned us; He has not withdrawn from us. David, encompassed by enemies and wondering how he would survive their opposition, relied fully on the Lord who promised him hope; trusted in God whom he knew would deliver him at the right time; believed God who was able to gain full and total victory over any one who fought against Him. David believed that in time the wicked would perish and the righteous would rejoice in the God of all salvation. Therefore, he was able to say, “Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him” (Psalm 68.4)!
He who was able in the days of David to provide hope and salvation, is still able to deliver His people, in His timing. In the days when Israel wandered through the desert on their way to the land of promise, God did not abandon them. Instead, He graciously and abundantly provided for their every need. He is the same today. Through the desert times we travel, through the circumstances of grief or joy, difficulty or ease, trouble or peace, our God will not forsake us. May we not become so consumed with the immediate or close our eyes to what He is doing now and what He promises to do in days to come; may our lives be filled with praises to Him who is the great and eternal conqueror. He will go with us through every desert, providing for us, and giving us the fullness of His hope and peace.
In the desert with our Lord – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 