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After losing my husband Bill, there was a time when I felt that I was traveling in the wilderness. My emotions and my ability to manage those feelings were a battle. For me, the distance I felt from others awakened my need to walk with the Lord. Never before had I confronted such a disconnect from the people I love, causing me to feel like I was in the desert. It seemed to me that no one could understand the pain, problems, and decisions that overwhelmed me. There were times when I felt isolated and times when I needed to see God provide rest from the struggles I was facing. I needed the Lord’s power to provide strength and His presence to water my thirsty soul.

When I am in a desert or wilderness in my life, I am tempted to ask questions.
“How long do I have to be in this desert?”
or
“How do I get out of this difficult wilderness I am facing?”

As I searched the Bible, I saw the struggles of the Israelites and remembered how Moses met the Lord. This was not just a story about a burning bush, but more about a God who refuses to turn away from His people. Throughout Exodus, the Lord chooses to see, hear, and care about His children. I saw the story of the Lord’s communication through a burning bush to rescue His people from slavery in Egypt and provide a way of depending on Him and connecting with Him moment by moment.

The Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.”
Exodus 3:7 (NASV)

I read that in the Middle Eastern culture, the wilderness is seen as a place of intimacy with the Lord. It is seen as almost sacred – a place where God sees His people and draws them close. I found that God meets me and teaches me unique lessons in dry, barren places. And I found that my life at that time was a series of moment-by-moment needs caused by my emotions and anxieties as a widow. I began to see the Lord fill the gaps for me and provide His presence as I drew closer to Him.

I realized I should ask these questions.
“What can I learn from this to carry with me in the future?”
and
“How do I remember the words the Lord has taught me
in the midst of this struggle?”

When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea to freedom, they were disoriented and confused. With Egypt behind them and the desert in front of them, they walked into an unknown future with God. They were hungry. One morning, they woke up, walked out of their tents, and saw something on the ground.

When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.
Exodus 16:15 (ESV)

They ate manna without knowing what it was. The Lord never failed them, and the Israelites learned that His provision is inexhaustible. God gives and is trustworthy. I do not need to understand before I walk in faith with God. I can afford to believe Him, to take Him at His Word, and then understand in time.

The Israelites ate manna for forty years, till they came to a habitable land; they ate the manna till they came to the border of Canaan.
Exodus 16:35 (ESV)

The Israelites were willing to eat something they did not know or understand because it came from the Lord. There are times I need to trust God’s character and move forward. He did not promise to tell me everything ahead of time, but provided a blueprint for building my life on the truth of His Word. I know God will show me a path forward to make decisions regarding my own future. Our Lord is not afraid to be present in the middle of the ruins of this world. He puts His hands all over the details. He can bring rescue, restoration, and renewal to my life.

Lord,

We come to you seeking a way out of the desert or wilderness facing us in our loss. Provide clarity and direction. Provide love and hope. Speak to us in the midst of our pain and let us feel Your presence and see Your hand at work each day.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen