Whispers from the Ancient Paths

This is Day 8 from the 50 Day meditations in Whispers From the Ancient Paths: Day 8 - WELLS IN THE WILDERNESS “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 Entry Thoughts: Our life’s journey is often unpredictable. Sometimes we are led by God to travel solo through a barren spiritual wilderness with its unmarked paths, and blazing cloudless sun. Life is harsh here, with both water and people scarce. Fear can set in and our courage fail during the dark cold nights. As we call out to God for help, He comes to us with life-giving encouragement. He assures us that he sees us and that we are indeed His beloved. And that He hasn’t forgotten us. God’s Word and the Spirit’s encouraging presence are the water wells in the wilderness that God generously provides for His people. At them we are able to drink freely refreshing ourselves. If it were up to you and me, we would choose the comfortable, well lit way in the company of others. But it isn’t up to us…for God’s ways are not our ways and God knows that the easy way is often not what our soul desperately needs. Whisper: The ancient path does not avoid the wilderness. In fact it usually leads us to it. Those who choose worldly ways avoid the desert altogether. They want absolutely nothing to do with it! But unseen to these people are God paved roads and water wells. Hidden in the heat and dust are God’s unexpected streams of grace. The wilderness is not punishment, but a preparation. It is where God strips away worldly noise and distractions and where your spiritual hearing is sharpened. In the desert God shows you what only solitude can reveal: That He alone is enough. Reflection and Action: The way of the wilderness is neither sweet nor is it pleasant. Are you in a spiritual wilderness now? What is your attitude if you are? Are you resisting it or receiving it? The wilderness is the place where a vital decision is made. Will you go on with God into unknown spiritual territory or will you choose to turn back to Egypt and the world with its temporary pleasures and eventual death? Prayer: “Dear Lord, I confess I often find myself in a spiritual wilderness. Fear grips me, discouragement sets in and I am tempted to make a u-turn and go back into the world. When I find myself in such a dry spiritual state, please open my eyes to the water wells You have lovingly prepared for the comfort of Your faithful children. Make a way for me and deepen my trust in You as I walk the difficult paths of this life. Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.”