Water in the Desert Land

The first time I published this post it said "water in a dessert land." Ha! Oops.

Nope, sorry, I'm not talking about the "dessert" you had for dinner, unfortunately (although that would be awesome. Hm. POST IDEA!)
So for all ya'll who happened to see "Water in a Dessert Land" and ecstatically thought my blog had suddenly turned into a source for recipes tasty and delicious, I'm sorry to disappoint (In reality, I actually am not a very good cook-er).
But hey... that's my spelling, for ya.

Today I have decided to tackle something much larger an issue than the ice cream sundae you ate in celebration of Easter. It's not a matter that can be compared to even the best of Mom's Apple Pies, or Grandma's homemade Christmas cookies.
....
Actually, my grandma doesn't make Christmas cookies ... I merely employed use of a stereotype. Call me a profile-er! Heh.
Anyways.

Today I'm writing about a desert land: a place that's so dry, it's torturous. I happen to live in a desert, so I would know what it's like when it gets to be 120 degrees outside. It's really not a fun thing.

When I was younger and lived on a farm, our farm hand used to say that if I helped him pick rocks out of the pastures, he'd pay me a dollar a bucket. I used to stay outside, in summer, in 115 degree weather, for hours, all for about $4.00 profit. Then I'd get so overheated I'd go inside and sleep the rest of the day. :P

Sometimes our spiritual lives find themselves in the same predicament - working overtime for no real payoff. It literally feels like we're walking through a desert.

The temperature is so heavy, it's a burden on our backs.
The sand threatens to blind our sense of reason.
Any gust of hot air threatens to knock us over, while our feeble selves wish for nothing more than a gentle cool breeze.
The enormity of the desert ahead seems vast and never-ending.
Each step is a struggle physically and mentally, as we wonder if we have the strength to go on.

Anything but a piece of cake, right?

All of us have felt this in some sense. Even if it's not the full blown desert scenario I've described, every human being on earth has felt hopelessness. Some have felt it more than others, but the feeling remains the same . . . It's merely the extent of said hopelessness that varies according to the individual.

With that, I can safely assume then that you agree with me. The spiritual desert is not a fun place to be.


There was a point when I was so burdened with the hardships of life that I literally couldn't pick myself up, much less ever trust or love again. I was walling in an infinite desert of self-doubt and in constant danger of being swallowed whole by my own insecurity. The door had been slammed in my face and it was pretty much a downwards spiral from there.

It seemed like no one could hear me, or my cries for relief . . . Because they kept on hurting me anyways. I'd rather not think they were doing it intentionally. I felt abandon in a dry wilderness larger than life - I seemed no more important than a speck of sand. Who would listen to me? There was no one around. Who would spend their time out here anyways, in this scorched and bare bowl of dust?

I was totally alone, and no one could understand.
No one in the world.
No one.

A walk in the desert.
We hear of people in the Hindu religion doing this all the time - literally. They go on spiritual journey's to find out who they really are. They have a soul searching time of wandering all alone. For Christians, it should be no different. Maybe not a year long trip physically camping out in Death Valley, but Christians should realize their alone-ness. Only GOD can fully minister to you, where you are!

There's a certain point that I think every person needs to come to in their life - a certain point that changes their entire outlook. It's a transition that takes them from a superficial understanding to deep-rooted faith. While I'm far from being "deep rooted" I've found the Oasis in the desert. I no longer feel hopeless, alone, or desperate for cool air. I have been immensely blessed by God.

There is hope.

While the desert looks agonizing, it only seems that way because you're in it's throes. The pain doesn't last forever. God doesn't forget His children. He brings them to a place filled with cool water and a place to rest.

Look to Israel:
Isa 48:21: And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

I've come to a place of rest, in Him. I hope you can be encouraged to do the same. :) If you're in the middle of hell right now, and can't seem to get out . . . Wait on the Lord. Easier said than done, I know . . . But I've done it, or at least tried to. Let me tell you: Blessings await on the other side. While I may not be out of the desert completely, I know one thing for sure . . .

There is water in the desert land.

~LL