22 October, 2016

Springs in the Wilderness


I’ve been feeling spiritually dry. God has become a little crowded with all the commitments and activities in my life. I was lamenting this fact in my diary yesterday morning, when I opened my Bible to Isaiah 41. I’ve read that chapter before, and even highlighted a section, so I thought I knew what it was talking about. But then I came to this:

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in the high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: that they may see, and know and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. Isaiah 41:17-20

I felt like God was talking directly to me. Those words poor and needy are actually defined as ‘depressed in mind or circumstances’ and ‘a sense of want especially in feeling.’ That’s me. I’m overwhelmed with everything going on, but wanting more, wanting to get closer to God again, and be renewed with enthusiasm for Him and His work.

And what is God’s promise to us poor and needy, depressed and wanting, lacking, overwhelmed, tired? I, the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in the bare places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. It’s a huge comfort to know even when we’re dry and feel far away from God, He still hears us, and never forsakes us. But, He offers so much more here. He will cause rivers in our bare places, fountains right in the middle of our valleys. Our wilderness He’ll turn into a pool, and our dry areas into springs. 

The next couple of verses were really powerful as well. He not only waters our wastelands, He then plants them. And, He doesn’t just plant easy-to-grow shrubs. He promises the cedar tree, olive tree, myrtle tree, fir tree, the box tree; trees that last generations. The only response the people in Isaiah 41 can come up with is that it had to be God.

So I want to encourage you, just as this encouraged me: there is hope, massive amounts of hope. Seek God; He’s there, He hears, and He will turn your valleys and lows, bare and dry places, into rivers, fountains, and springs. He will turn your wilderness into a most powerful testament to His creative power. He’ll plant the once dry corners of your soul, and you’ll only be able to say, it must have been God.

 ~ 

Have you had an experience of God causing your deserts to flow again? What promises have you been holding onto lately? Where have you been reading in the Bible?

23 comments:

  1. this was such an encouragement, Jessica. Thank you so much for taking the time to write it and share it with us! :) One promise that has really stuck out to me is Psalm 20:7-8. Especially with the election coming up, that's really had me concerned. But it was a great reminder that we don't trust in human thrones or offices, but we trust in our God. And those elected are appointed by Him!
    Anyway, that's again for posting. This really encouraged me today. :)

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    1. *Thanks again for posting. ;P

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    2. Praise God! I'm glad it could be an encouragement to you. :)

      Ah yes, I just looked those verses up - it is encouraging to know that God is all-powerful, and still in control, even with everything going on.. Thanks for sharing that, and thanks a lot for your comment too Jesseca! :)

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  2. thank you so much.

    Ive been feeling the same way lately and its been hard. but its always amazing to know that God still listens and cares even when Im not. He always puts in the same amount of effort day in and day out, regardless of how much I put in.

    out God is good.

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    1. You're so welcome, Faith. I'm sorry it's been hard for you lately. It is amazing that God is always there, in spite of us. Keep trusting Him, girl!

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  3. This is exactly what I needed today.
    I have been feeling so spiritually dry for about two years now. And I hate it.
    A few things have happened in my family that have contributed to this over the past few years, and it hurts, a lot. I don't like being away from God, but it almost seems easier than trying to follow all of the rules of Christianity... I feel so confused most of the time. Your post was very encouraging, and made me think. Thank you for sharing!<3

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    1. I’m feeling for you Clara. I just want to give you a hug, okay? I’m sorry it’s been hard and confusing for you.. I don’t have a recipe for getting over spiritual dry places, I haven’t made it through myself, but I want to encourage you to keep holding on. Pursue the heart of God; He can turn your wilderness into a fruitful place. xx

      P.s Thanks so much for your kind words; praise God this could be a blessing to you.

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  4. Wow Jessica...this is exactly what I've been going through too! I've been feeling spiritually dry in a sense, and I think it's because I'm not really going through any trials. It's nice to not have any big struggles...but it makes me uneasy, because I can tell that it's making me separate from God a little. It's during trials that I draw closer to God. I don't particularly want trials, but I long to grow closer to God continually. And by the way, I was listening to a version of Say Something while reading this, and it was perfect. Made it all the more powerful. :) I've been reading lots of different passages in the Bible lately, usually from Psalms, Proverbs, or Isaiah. Thanks for posting. :)

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    1. Really?! It’s nice to know we’re in this together. Actually, your comment has gotten me thinking: I haven’t been having any trials lately either. It’s so true; trials can make God more real to us, and push us closer to Him.

      Oh, Psalms and Isaiah are my favourite books of the Bible! I’ll check out that song, and thanks for your comment, Maggie. Your desire to be closer to God is really inspiring.

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  5. This is so encouraging, Jessica! I have been feeling the same way recently, so I really appreciate you taking the time to share this. Going to mark those verses in my Bible right now! ♥

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    1. Praise God, Emily! :) I hope those verses can be an encouragement to you too, and help you through this time. xx

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  6. I think prayer and reading your Bible daily will help, for those of you who are confused. Ask the Lord to give you peace, like only He can.
    This was such an encouraging post! Thanks so much for sharing.
    "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Do something for someone today!"

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    1. You’re welcome – thanks for commenting! :)

      Yes, prayer and Bible reading does help.. I know I go down when I miss either or both of those things. Thanks for the encouragement!

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  7. I love this so, so much. It's a beautiful reminder and thank you for posting it. <3

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    1. Thank you so much for reading, and for your kind words. xx

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  8. Time and time again, I am impressed by the honest feel to your writing. It is always so real and relatable.

    Anyway, I've definitely had experiences of God (*God*!) causing my deserts to flow. And like the people in the passage you shared, I can only conclude that it must have been God. What did I do? I picked up my Bible? I picked up journal and pen? -- Those are outward actions and they have their place, but at the end of the day, they're only outward actions. Only God can change the heart. Only He can make my deserts flow.

    Thanks for sharing, my friend!

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    1. All praise to God! And thank you for the encouragement, because honesty and genuineness is something I strive for in writing, so it means a lot.

      Amen – we can do our part, but in the end it’s always God. That’s wonderful you’ve experienced God’s work in making your deserts flow.. It’s amazing what He does for us. Thanks again for your comment! :)

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  9. This was such an encouraging post, Jessica! Especially the part about seeking God -- it was a needed reminder.
    Thank you for writing this! :)
    -Mary

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    1. Praise God! I’m glad it could be an encouragement to you, and thanks so much for reading and commenting, Mary.

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  10. This. Wow. It really resonates with me right now. I read this post and I have this really bad habit of not commenting right away (I really should comment RIGHT AWAY) but I think coming back and re-reading this post was a good idea.

    For me, feeling spiritually dry is like...something that I know will come if I don't stay close to God and especially if my fire for Him is running low. One thing I've been struggling with recently is just worldliness. It's such a annoying thing, to be honest. And I've seen a lot of that come through the internet. It's not worldliness from my actual life..it's from what I see through the screen. When I go throughout the day, I see the world and I understand and pray and realize that my life needs to be wholly consecrated to Him. But it's harder to do that online. So I need His grace and mercy and love in my life. A lot.

    OH WOW this is incredibly long. Sorry about that! I really loved this post and thank you for writing it. Your posts are always very deep and thought provoking <3

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    1. No need to apologise; instead, thank-you! I always enjoy reading your comments. :) (And I know what you mean about not commenting straight away - same here!)

      Ah, I relate to your struggle of worldliness through the internet so much! I think that has contributed to my spiritual dryness.. May we both come closer to Him through this. Thanks again for your comment! xx

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  11. I've always liked reading through the OT because of the little jewels you find buried there, like this passage in Isaiah. Thanks for this encouraging post!

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    1. Yes, it is exciting to find hidden passages in the Old Testament! And thank you for reading and commenting, Gloria! :)

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