Isaiah 43:19
Ah, wilderness, and desert are words that evoke different emotions in different people. They bring back memories of my time in Kenya, where I walked through lush green mountains that vastly contrast the plains or deserts. But that’s just my way of thinking—it tends to be quite concrete.
Speaking of which, have you ever thought about the meaning of the word “wilderness”? According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the Hebrew word in Isaiah 43:19 can mean anything from a pasture to a desert to speech. As for “desert,” the Hebrew word used in the same verse can mean waste or wilderness.
But enough of the technicalities – let’s talk about what it means to be in the wilderness. It doesn’t necessarily mean we’re lost, does it? Just think about the Israelites, who wandered in the wilderness for forty long years. That’s quite a bit of time for reflection. In the midst of dryness, God is there, ready to confront us with His will and remind us to prioritize it over our desires. His presence reassures us that we are not alone in this journey.
Planting a stake in the wilderness with God by our side means we don’t have to venture alone. His Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way, giving us strength and courage. And we have our faith community, local church, and Christian friends. They are not just there for us; they are with us, supporting us in our journey. But most importantly, we have God’s Word, where He speaks to us in times of need.
So, let’s not wander aimlessly through life or dwell on the past. Let’s plant a stake and keep our eyes fixed on God, who can do a “new thing” in our hearts and lives today. This promise of renewal and new beginnings fills us with hope and optimism, even amid the wilderness.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Is 43:19
An Everyday Theologian 