Confidence

“…till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Isaiah 32:15-18

The first real full day in the wilderness is always the hardest. It’s the kind of day where staying in bed and trying to ignore the world seems like a good idea, but not really. It’s the kind of day filled with questions - what’s next? Why? Seriously? Lots of things can bring us to the wilderness, some of those things will cause doubt, some fear, some will cause us to question our purpose and call. 

The verses that lead into this week’s passage are strong words of warning, the people have become complacent - comfortable in their circumstances, they didn’t really think too much about Who had given them the comfortable life and He was getting ready to shake them from their comfort. They were about to be in the wilderness again for a little while.

But then something amazing happened - He poured out His Spirit and turned the wilderness into something beautiful, something that could provide what had been lost. Justice and righteousness bring about: peace, quietness of spirit, and confidence. The wilderness becomes a great place to live because He is present in the everyday and we must rely on Him.

If you find yourself wondering in the wilderness, filled with questions and wanting to hide - look up and watch as that dry place becomes fertile with the Spirit of God. Watch what happens to your heart as it is filled with His peace and as confidence in Him becomes your dwelling place. 

A Prayer
Father, you know we do not like being in the wilderness, because it means we are not in control. Bring us to a place where we can appreciate the wilderness, because it is there your Spirit will revive our hearts and help us to see You more clearly. It is not easy to be here, but teach us what we need to learn and prepare us for the next part of the plan you have for us. In the name of Jesus who walks with us in the wilderness. Amen.