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Luke 5:16 (NLT)
But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Romans 1:20 (NLT) For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. |
I recently returned home from a multiple day hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail. The section of the trail we decided to do this time was unknowingly one of the most remote parts on the entire trail. We were in the wilderness and literally miles away from a paved road in either direction.
After spending several days with no sign of modern civilization in sight, Luke 5:16 came to mind. Up until recently my mental view of the wilderness in this verse was just a place of quietness like a bedroom closet or perhaps a tranquil place outside that is free from life's distractions.
The wilderness can undoubtedly be a place of quietness and peace. However, while recently walking in the wilderness on this trip there was also the realization that it can be a place of uncertainty and dependence. Each step away from man-made provision is also one step closer into Godly dependence. He is my Provider (Jehovah Jireh) takes on new meaning when the water supply is dwindling and springs that should be flowing are dried up from drought. Money has no value when there is nothing for sale. He is my Banner (Jehovah Nissi) becomes more personal after seeing fresh bear claw marks on a tree where you have set up camp.
Romans 1:20 (NLT)
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
It is in the wilderness that God reveals Himself to us. Jesus chose to "often" go there! He "withdrew" from the things and people that were also calling His name. It is only when stepping away from the world that we know, that we are able to "clearly see His invisible qualities" and the things that we don't.
Father,
Thank You making us lie down in green pastures. Thank You for calling us into the wilderness of Your presence. Thank You for the opportunity to see Your glory, Your goodness, and Your divine nature! Thank You for being a loving and all powerful God who is always there and always in control even when we can't clearly see it. We love You Lord! Amen.
After spending several days with no sign of modern civilization in sight, Luke 5:16 came to mind. Up until recently my mental view of the wilderness in this verse was just a place of quietness like a bedroom closet or perhaps a tranquil place outside that is free from life's distractions.
The wilderness can undoubtedly be a place of quietness and peace. However, while recently walking in the wilderness on this trip there was also the realization that it can be a place of uncertainty and dependence. Each step away from man-made provision is also one step closer into Godly dependence. He is my Provider (Jehovah Jireh) takes on new meaning when the water supply is dwindling and springs that should be flowing are dried up from drought. Money has no value when there is nothing for sale. He is my Banner (Jehovah Nissi) becomes more personal after seeing fresh bear claw marks on a tree where you have set up camp.
Romans 1:20 (NLT)
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
It is in the wilderness that God reveals Himself to us. Jesus chose to "often" go there! He "withdrew" from the things and people that were also calling His name. It is only when stepping away from the world that we know, that we are able to "clearly see His invisible qualities" and the things that we don't.
Father,
Thank You making us lie down in green pastures. Thank You for calling us into the wilderness of Your presence. Thank You for the opportunity to see Your glory, Your goodness, and Your divine nature! Thank You for being a loving and all powerful God who is always there and always in control even when we can't clearly see it. We love You Lord! Amen.