Series: Flowers in the Desert
Exodus 33:14 ESV
Deuteronomy 1:8 ESV
Deuteronomy 1:10 ESV
Psalm 4:8 ESV
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Philippians 4:19 ESV
I spent the first half of my life in a mad dash trying to get things done. There were days that I felt like I was in a whirlwind.
The only time I had, or took time to pray was after all four kids were in bed and asleep.
After they were tucked away (and really asleep) I would find a secluded spot in the house so I could pray. When it was cold outside I often sat in a closet. Since I am absolutely not claustrophobic it was a perfect place to hide away and talk to God.
When it was warm enough I would often grab a blanket and sit on the back porch under the stars.
I loved sitting with God.
In Exodus 33:14 God said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
The promise that God made to Moses (and also to us) was an all encompassing forever promise. God knew as Moses prepared to leave Sinai and travel to the promised land Moses would need this promise.
God knew what was ahead.
He knew the character of the children of Israel.
God knew the journey ahead as they left Sinai would not be an easy one.
God knew there would be pitfalls along the way.
In Deuteronomy 1 we are told that the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years. While God had a specific plan for them, God was also teaching them and preparing them to be a special people of God. After forty years of wandering in Deuteronomy 1:8 we are told, “I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.’
We need to note that as the children of God wandered in the wilderness for forty years God provided everything they needed.
God provided water.
God provided food.
The water and food God provided were for all the people. We know from Deuteronomy 1:10 “The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.”
God gave the multitude that was as numerous as the stars in heaven food, water, and medicine for forty years!
God created earth so there would be healing properties found in plants, trees and shrubs even in the world’s hot dry deserts.
For example, in today’s world the buffalo gourd is known for its inner healing properties, especially in the southwest United States. If a man is working in or near the hot dry desert and his body suffers from physical stress, the buffalo gourd can help revive him. The root contains medicinal qualities, but should be used sparingly because it is very strong. The medicine is so very strong it should not be given to a small pet or a child.
The plant grows on a vine and looks something like a mini watermelon.
The buffalo gourd is an ancient plant, and there is evidence of seeds from 5,000 years ago. While we do not have evidence that the buffalo gourd was available in the Middle East at the time of Moses, we do know that God provided them with everything they needed in the desert.
They did not need to worry about what they would eat or drink.
The presence of God was with them in the wilderness and they could rest in knowing God would care for them.
The bottom line is that in the wilderness the presence of God was rest and peace for the children of God.
Today, in our own wilderness (though it won’t look like theirs) we can rest in the presence of God and have peace.
Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
And in Philippians 4:19 Paul wrote, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Just like God provided for His children in the wilderness, God supplies every need of yours.
Spiritual Practice: Receive
Receive the blessing of God’s provision.
In God, Deborah
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