The Bible is open on the bed in front of me. I have been reading the Scriptures but the words just stay on the page. This is a path that has been traveled before. In the past when my spirit was empty and my soul dry anxiety would rise up. The desire for a quick path to “feeling” the Lord’s presence was strong.
This desert journey is different. Taking a path to Exodus I ponder further the desert wanderings of the children of Israel. They left Egypt on a high note – freedom from slavery with the Egyptians loading them with gold, silver, and clothing. But God knows they are not ready for battles ahead “so He led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.”1
With my spirit and soul feeling dry, May became a month to be consumed with prayer. Focusing on the Lord’s prayer and several books on prayer my heart is quiet before the Lord. Paul Miller’s book, A Praying Life,2 is on the screen of my laptop.
Mr. Miller writes, “God takes everyone He loves through a desert.” God led them by a desert road.
May turns to June and the words for prayers still will not come and I find myself walking wooded trails listening. Listening to the birds as they sing and take wing through the trees. Listening to much needed rain as it falls on the metal roof of the farmhouse. Listening to trees creak as they bend in the wind. Listening to chickens cluck and squirrels chatter. Listening to horses snort and nicker. Listening to the nightly lullabies of crickets and frogs.
Miller writes, “Our responsibility is to cultivate a listening heart in the midst of the noise.” A slow smile spreads across my face, God’s silence through Scripture and worship has my spirit listening. Listening to His voice singing all around in creation.
This desert journey is different. I wonder what it would have been like if the children of Israel would have listened in the middle of the desert wanderings. If the eyes of the heart would have been opened through listening. When the road was dry and their throats were parched, when they were covered in dust from heat to toe, when they were hungry and tired, perhaps they should have continued to look…
“they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in a cloud.” Exodus 16:10b
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1Exodus 13:18
2Miller, Paul (2009). A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World (Kindle Location 3141). NavPress. Kindle Edition.
9 comments:
Thank you, Nancy...just thank you.
As I think of you walking this way, finding that the words for prayers are still not coming, I'm reminded of how often it is that way for me. I'm learning, still learning, to let my words be few. I come to prayer often with just one word, if that, and feel so much of the time that I'm just doing it wrong.
I'm learning God is one of those treasured friends with whom I can just be quiet, together.
Not everyone is like that, you know? Not everyone will let me be that. Might he water your dry while you continue to listen, to sit, to let him.
Oh, I've had those dry days, too. "Cardboard days," I call them.
And God has shown you much in the desert...
I'm looking for that glorious cloud here in my desert. Thank you for this.
Dianna - Blessings to you. Good to see you here.
Lyla - Yes, just enjoying being quiet and waiting knowing I am in God's presence even in the dryness.
Monica- I find I am growing here in this unexpected place.
Jennifer - Lifting your name before the Father as we walk His desert path.
Listening in the desert...oh, my. You sure are speaking to my heart today, Nancy. I, too, am grateful for these words. Hoping you are well. Are you still journeying through Colossians? My brain is getting full :). But so is my heart. Hugs to you, friend. You bless.
I have been in the desert so today I pray that as you look into the desert, that you will see God appear in a cloud and you will be overwhelming with his presence
The silence of the desert has tuned your ears to the voice of His Spirit in other ways. What a wonderful lesson to be learned and applied.
Thank you for sharing. I live in a physical desert and have been in spiritual deserts--the words are meaningful.
Blessings,
Janis
Laura - I am still working through Colossians. Chapter 2 has me stuck but I read it aloud and try to plant the words in my heart.
Shanda - Thank you for your prayer!!
Janis - I was wondering just this morning what living in a desert would look like, feel like. Thanks for your kind words.
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