Are You in a Desert Time?

“Lord, what do You want me to read today?”  Rarely do I get a chapter and a specific verse when I ask God that question each morning. Usually I am impressed with just a certain chapter to read. I wonder what’s so important about that verse, I thought as I flipped through my Bible.

Luke 3:2 (NIV) “…the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” The Weymouth New Testament reads, “…a message from God came to John….”

"Lord, why are you directing me to this verse?" I meditated on the words until clarity came.

The original Greek for ‘word’ in the above verse is rhema, meaning a spoken word. John was living in the wilderness or desert when God spoke to him.

Do you feel like you are in a wilderness right now? Are you wondering what God wants you to do? Are you struggling with a decision or a relationship issue? Does reading the Bible seem dry, like a desert? Does God seem silent?


As I am writing this we are having 50 mph wind gusts. Sometimes it feels like everything in my life is wind-blown and out of order. But God is assuring me through that verse that He will speak to me (and to you) in those desert places. It’s in the desert places that we can hear him more easily if we expect Him to speak to us and if we wait on Him.

It’s easy to get discouraged and think God isn’t interested in our dilemma, or that He’s too busy with more important matters. The truth is, we matter to Him every day and what we are going through matters to Him. The desert time seems bleak - no joy, no zest for living, no direction – but it is in the desert time that God can truly get our attention and help us prioritize our lives.

Is God first above all things in our desert time? Sometimes I focus more on what is not happening or what I wish would happen but isn’t. Are we willing to wait for His still small voice and His perfect timing, or do we become impatient and forge ahead using our limited human reasoning and logic to make decisions just so that we don’t have to wait?

We have access to the unlimited wisdom of the Creator of the universe. He has a personalized answer to our dilemma. He will speak to us in our desert, if we trust Him, wait for Him and expect Him to answer.

When the winds of doubt, confusion and anxiety are blowing through your thoughts, take time to quiet yourself and focus on the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to quiet your mind and emotions and to take away the distractions. Pray some breath prayers such as: “I trust You, Lord. I want Your best in this situation. I am willing to wait on You. Give me ears to hear You and eyes to see You.”  

We are never alone. His Holy Spirit dwells within us. Listen for His voice and wait expectantly for Him. 

"Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You (Psalm 33:22 AMP)."

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for this word, Jane. Often in the past I've found myself running ahead only to realize I've been running in circles! Now I sit and wait more patiently for the Lord's direction and timing. I'm about to purchase your book Seven Secrets which I hope and pray my family will read. Enjoy your Christmas, and much blessing to you and your family!

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    1. Lisa - Thanks for stopping by my blog. Christmas blessings to you and your family as well! Blessings - Jane

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  2. The more I read your posts and watch your repeated interview with Sid Roth the more I realise I have ignored God in alot of areas.

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  3. Sureword - it is never too late to include God in every area of your life. Start with the simple, ordinary everyday decisions. But first learn how to draw close to God, how to discern His voice and how to ask the questions in the most effective way - this is all in the book. It's very easy to read and has lots of testimonies and Scripture in it. Blessings...Jane

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  4. Thank you I have ordered for the book.
    And am checking for new posts on your blog.

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  5. Hi Jane. I used to hear the Lords voice and one day I told The Lord I wanted to be separated from Him but I am truly sorry. I have asked The Lord to let me come back to Him but I get no response. I must know the truth whatever the cost I am in a desperate situation would you pray to The Lord for me just like the prophets of old and ask The Lord what He says I will accept whatever word He has for me I just need to know if He will reunite me with Him. Desperately asking. Lucie

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