Have you ever felt like you were wandering in circles? Like you do the same things over and over again – laundry, groceries, emails. You visit the same spots – kid’s school, gym, work, church. Certain seasons of life can feel like a holding pattern in more ways than one. Spiritually, physically, and emotionally there are times when we just don’t seem to be getting anywhere.
Does the mundane routine of my life have great value or is there something more?
The people of Israel found themselves in a 40 year long holding pattern after they grumbled and disobeyed God. During this time they ate the same food, wore they same clothes, and circled the same wilderness. God provided for them, taught them lessons, and carried out some consequences for their attitudes and behaviors during this time.
The story of the Israelites in the wilderness is the sort of Old Testament event that was never forgotten. The Psalms, prophets, gospels, and several New Testament letters make reference to the lessons learned from the wilderness wanderings. Later God fulfilled every promise He made to His people in giving them victory in the land of promise. They defeated their enemies in Canaan and were once again able to cultivate the soil, make new clothes, and live in more permanent dwellings. The wilderness wasn’t forever, but it probably felt that way for the two million people moving through the desert with nothing but manna to eat and dreams of a future home.
So when can you withdraw today? Can you steal away for an hour, half an hour, or even ten minutes and get in God’s presence? Pour out your heart to Him, ask Him for clarity, and make a list of any nudges toward action you sense while in His presence.
Jesus has things for us to learn in the wilderness, but we need to follow His example to withdraw and pray so we’ll be prepared for all God has in store!