If it seems like you’re in the Wilderness, Help is available!
David went through some harrowing experiences before he became the king. The interim between his anointing over Israel and actually being seated on the throne were marked by years of turmoil, danger, and exile. He lived a wilderness experience that most of us cannot fathom, that of pain and rejection and fear.
King David was considered by God as a man after His own heart. If you find yourself in a wilderness situation, if life has been unfair, if circumstances aren’t what you want them to be, if you have no control of the outcome, you can take your cues from David and learn to respond as he did in times of danger and pain..
In Psalm 63 David lays out some specific responses to the injustice he was facing; each are takeaways for us in challenging circumstances.
“My soul thirsts for You, my whole body longs for You.” ~David
David’s longing could have been for justice, it could have been for a warm bed, an old friend, a quiet afternoon with his sheep, or many other trifles of normal life. In spite of the fact that he lived in a cave, fleeing from Saul who wanted to kill him, his primary desire was God. Why wasn’t he focused on the injustice? Because he ultimately knew that if he had the presence of God in his life, that God would take upon Himself all of David’s challenges and one by one bring them to a conclusion.
“You satisfy me more than the richest feast.” ~David
David had enjoyed some rich feasts in the palace. As one of King Saul’s bodyguards, he was given the rights and privileges of the elite in the palace. His best friend Jonathan was the king’s son, so he had no doubt enjoyed the finery and delicacies of royalty. Yet, when he was eating who-knows-what in a cave, he found the presence of the Lord so much more satisfying than those long-forgotten banquets in the palace.
“I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on you through the night.” ~David
Most of us, when in crisis, lie awake at night, but instead of thinking about the unfailing love of God, we think about our failures, our troubles, our fears. Not David. He thought about his God – His love and power to save.
“I cling to You Your strong right hand holds me securely.” ~David
In times of duress, we often run to people to rescue us, but David knew that man’s help, while encouraging, could not ultimately rescue him from the power of those who wanted him dead. When we are hit with circumstances beyond our control, instead of running to people for comfort and help, we first run to God. We lift up our hands to His strong hand and hold tightly to Him as we wait for deliverance.
“But the king will rejoice in God.” ~David
David wasn’t acting as king yet; in fact, he was a fugitive, running for his life. Yet, he didn’t see himself as a victim. He saw himself for who he was in God’s eyes: royalty. We can do likewise; we can believe that we are who God says we are.
O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely…
But the king will rejoice in God…
Amen.
-Mark and Jill
Have faith in God when what you are going through doesn’t change or improve and you find yourself in a “spiritual wilderness”, then join us in prayer and let’s expect God to show up and help where help is needed most!
Let’s pray;
Dear friend,
as you find yourself journeying through the spiritual wilderness, know that you are not walking alone. God’s presence is with you every step of the way, guiding you through the challenges and uncertainties that may lie ahead.
Let us pray together for strength, courage, and faith to trust in God’s provision in the midst of the wilderness you are facing.Heavenly Father, we come before You in the midst of our spiritual wilderness, where the path ahead seems unclear and the challenges seem insurmountable. We thank You for Your promise to never leave us nor forsake us, even in the darkest of times.
Help us to trust in Your unfailing love and wisdom to lead us through this season of wilderness, knowing that Your plans for us are good and full of hope.Grant us the discernment to hear Your voice amidst the chaos of the wilderness, to follow Your guidance with unwavering faith, and to lean on Your strength when our own runs thin.
May Your presence be our constant companion, bringing comfort, peace, and assurance as we navigate the trials that come our way.We invite You, Lord, to deepen our understanding of surviving the wilderness, to provide us with insights and strategies to overcome the obstacles that we face. Lead us to resources and discussions that will shed light on the path ahead, offering wisdom and encouragement to persevere in our journey.
As we seek to grow in faith and trust in You, may Your Holy Spirit empower us to rise above the challenges of the wilderness, to emerge stronger, wiser, and more steadfast in our walk with You. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Be encouraged dear one, for God is faithful to guide you through the wilderness and to bring you safely to the other side. Trust in His provision, lean on His promises, and seek His wisdom as you navigate the challenges that come your way.
Listen to the audio below and discover more insights that will equip you to survive and thrive in the spiritual wilderness.
Remember, God is with you every step of the way, leading you to a place of victory and abundant life. Stay in faith! Have faith in God, wait with patience endurance for what God decides to reveal that helps you!
God has never failed you before and He won’t fail you now!
