I will open rivers on the bare heights
And springs in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water
And the dry lands fountains of water.
Isaiah 41:18 (NASB)
Rain fell steadily on me as I hiked to the bottom of the volcanic crater. When I reached the dry, rocky floor I stood and lifted my hands to the heavens. I was releasing what had held me in bondage since childhood! Considering the vastness of the basin, I felt quite small in comparison. I was insignificant and blended into a sea of gray. The view that surrounded me was barren, lacking vegetation and beauty. There was no color to bring life! I was familiar with this place. I had lived here for many years, and knew what it was like to thirst in a parched land. I had felt desperate and alone for far too long. And there was only one who knew the pain that existed in the dark, rocky crevices. There are some things we never speak of to anyone.
God sees all that has happened, and pursues us with loving kindness and leads us to safety. In His strength we are able to stand and overcome our darkest nights. As He draws near, fear and doubt are conquered in His name. And the anxiety from worrying about what others think disappears. We are able to accomplish far more than we ever imagined. God is good; His faithfulness extends through the years. And His love is steadfast and secure! He will restore our wilderness places and bring forth pools of water.
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, “You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41: 9,10 (NASB).
God also provides what we need to conquer our mountains. He will help us thresh our fearful heights, and make our hills like chaff. Nothing will stand in our way. Storms will scatter what is left of them. No matter how scary they appear, the raging winds and pounding waves are necessary! And just when we think we can’t bear anymore, He quiets them. The winds and waves know His name, and still at the sound of His voice. And the drenching rains come to an end! There is power in Jesus’ words….they command a response!
And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. Mark 4:39 (NASB)
We walked in this parched land and were seeking water. God heard our cries for relief and answered. He didn’t forget what He had seen, our affliction, as He quenched our thirst. Healing waters were opened and we were cleansed by His washing. And we sat in the shade of His planting and found rest for our weary souls. His provision satisfied our needs.
Our redeemer has been with us from the beginning. He knows our remote places and doesn’t forsake us. We are not left in the barren wasteland. Rather, He calls us forth and plants beauty and goodness around us. Healing is within reach and we find rest for our souls!
As I walked across the volcano floor, the rains stopped, and the sun came out warming me with its presence. It was a reminder that God had made a way. And He would lead me to pools of water in the wilderness. There was hope on the horizon!
Going forward this day with courage,
Lily Mae
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