February 25


The Wilderness


And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness….

Luke 5:16 (NKJV)

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your consolations delight my soul.

Psalm 94:19 (NAS)


There are two kinds of wildernesses as I see it. There is the wilderness of soul where we seem absolutely lost and helpless, desperate for relief, and then, there is the wilderness of His love. This is where we lose all else for Him. And this is where we find our relief: when our focus falls solely on God (Hebrews 12:2a).

In order to accomplish the Father’s will, Christ focused on the Father. He spent abundant time pouring out His heart and seeking guidance. That, and He just wanted the relationship—to be with the Father. This is what empowered Him and released Him to do the great work of salvation. This is why our focus and devotion are so important. The world has its designs, human nature has its desires, but God alone gives us our right direction.

This past week, I was in both wildernesses. In Portland, I had many emotional experiences, but one of the toughest was seeing my aging parents struggle with their health. I could do nothing … but pray and be of some small service. And spend time with my Big God. It was time with my Father that brought peace and relief. He gives us the light and sets things right for all of us.

And this is true love: our time together … with Him.


Lord, thank You for the wilderness and all it means to me. Your gifts open my eyes and You free me to serve others in the love of Christ.