The Wilderness
“A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is…” (Psalm 63:1)
The word “wilderness” (מדבּר) in Scripture can take on a variety of meanings. The Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible suggests some rather unique definitions for this word, such as: “A place of order, a sanctuary….An arrangement of words.” That does not quite fit the general perception of “wilderness.”
When I think of a wilderness, I think more of a wasteland – a place apart from human companionship – a place in the wild. David’s wilderness was just that. It was a barren place apart from companionship and fellowship – a place apart from one’s comfort zone experienced while in close communion with God our Savior.
This wilderness may be physical, emotional, or spiritual; however, in each situation one always experiences being alone.
In a physical wilderness, one is removed by distance from human comforts. In an emotional wilderness, one is removed from those things that offer peace and serenity. In a spiritual wilderness, one is removed from those blessings that offer sanctuary in the presence of God.
No matter the type of wilderness; one thing at least is a constant – you are alone – apart from someone or something that is comfortable and fulfilling.
The death of a loved one especially creates this type of loneliness. Even though the room may be filled with people, you are alone. Many offer regrets and soothing words, but you are alone. When someone offers, “I know how you feel,” you feel even lonelier because no one knows exactly how you feel or the distance of your wilderness.
Some years ago, while my wife was about five and one half months pregnant with our twin boys, she went into premature labor and the boys were delivered so premature that they died within seconds. We were resisting God’s call to a new ministry and had prayed on Sunday night that God would remove any obstacles from the path. Of course we were thinking God would either postpone our move until the boys were born or provide a super-doctor to replace the one she was seeing at the time. On Wednesday evening my wife went into labor and the boys were born a few hours later. Nothing could have been done – we were in a wilderness.
Many offered condolences, offered to help, and prayed with us – no matter how many comforters appeared, we were alone. Even though we knew the reason, nothing anyone said or did brought us out of the wilderness.
One of the greatest reassurances we have is that God never takes you to the wilderness without purpose. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness of Midian in order to be better prepared to lead God’s people. John the Baptist spent much of his life in the wilderness as God prepared him for his ministry of preparing the way for Christ. Job spent more than a year in the wilderness (although he was surrounded by “friends”) so that he would learn patient confidence in the Almighty God. John the Apostle spent many years in the wilderness on the Isle of Patmos so God could meet him and give to him The Revelation. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness so He could experience first-hand physical deprivation and spiritual attack in order to fulfill Old Testament prophecy.
In our wilderness experience, my wife and I learned to trust God’s leading and to follow Him regardless of circumstances and situations. We learned that even in the most dismal of wildernesses, we are never alone – God is there. He has a purpose and a special plan. He is in control – especially when we are alone.
No matter what the wilderness experience you may experience, remember you are never alone. God walks in the wilderness along with you – find Him and you will find peace.
“To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. (Psalm 63.2-8)
