“Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai.” -Numbers 1:1 (NKJV)
It’s often easy to skip over a verse. I’m sure I’ve read the “book of Numbers numerous times.” (How’s that for alliteration.)
There’s truth in this verse that simply states how the Lord spoke to Moses.
God still speaks in the wilderness.
The wilderness, whether it is figurative or literal is a place where the distractions are few, and the small still powerful voice of God can speak.
It’s a place where we are more prone to listen.
Another Bible book reveals this truth, also in its first chapter: the gospel of Mark. After a busy day of teaching and healing, the writer shares a nugget about our Savior:
Now in the morning, having risen long before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place, and there He prayed.” -Mark 1:35
Other translations render solitary as “desolate, “secluded,” “deserted,” and “wilderness.”
Notice that Jesus sought out a time and place to create that place of solitude. That wilderness spot where God speaks, and we commune with Him.
In the 21st century, we must seek out that wild and quiet place. The place of solitude is all around us, but we must seek it out and make an effort to meet there with God. Yesterday, I was at our family’s “Old House.” I built a hot fire and spent time simply enjoying solitude on the edge of Crooked Bayou Swamp.
The wilderness must be sought out. And when we seek it out, He will speak to us.
“Come to the woods for here is rest.”
-John Muir
“In the wild places, man is an unwelcome guest. But it’s here that I’m found, and it’s here I feel blest.”
-Dan Fogelberg “The Wild Places.”
Prayer for today:
“Lord, in my busy technology-filled life, remind me to create wilderness where I can meet with you outside the distractions of this world. Amen.”
I need more wilderness in my life.