Desert Times Part 2: How to Keep Going When It’s Tough

The Desert Times Series was originally written October 2000 when I had a two year old and an eight month old – and life was a challenge!

Continued from Desert Times Part 1: For When Life is Spiritually Dry

So…how do we keep going in desert times?

The following is an encouragement to me:

1. My Father leads me lovingly

‘…you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these 40 years in the wilderness.’ Deuteronomy 8:2

Even in the desert it is my Father who leads me.

Deuteronomy 8:15 puts it even more graphically: ‘the Lord your God…led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water…’ It may feel like it sometimes!

‘…the Lord your God…went in the way before you to search out a place for you to pitch your tents, to show you the way you should go, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day.’ Deuteronomy 1:32-33

Even in the wilderness times He lovingly searches out resting places for us on the way to our promised land of inheritance, blessing & refreshing. Though, like the Israelites following the fire & the cloud, we do need to keep our eyes up…on Jesus. There’s a lot of sand if we look down!

2. My Father knows

‘He knows your trudging through this great wilderness’ Deuteronomy 2:7a

That especially encourages me as I write this bit today. It’s been a long few weeks – my boys have been sick. Everything’s been a bit of a blur – sleepless nights; miserable children; and not being able to get out and see friends. Where I was feeling a new freshness spiritually, I seem to have gone back a step or two. I’m tired and weary. God KNOWS! Isn’t that good? Life is very real, and we can be real with God. Tell him how you’re feeling!

3. My Father is faithful

‘…the Lord your God has been with you…you have lacked nothing.’ Deuteronomy 2:7b

God has been, and IS with me; and all through the tough times he has provided for me & my family. We have known wonderful provision from furniture to baby nappies, from my husband’s job to an ice-cream maker!

4. My Father longs to do me good

‘For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills…when you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.’ Deuteronomy 8:7-10

God has promised me much more than what I see now. He longs to ‘do us good in the end’ Deuteronomy 8:16. Hold onto God’s promises for you!

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To be honest, it’s easier for me to write this now. It wasn’t so easy to know it and live it on the tough days. Likewise, it will be easier for you to read this than to live it! But it is truth, and we need God’s help in knowing it on the hard days.

Remember:

My Father leads me lovingly

My Father knows

My Father is faithful

My Father longs to do ME good!

And, there is a river to cross; there is ‘a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs…’ awaiting us. Deuteronomy 8:7

View Desert Times Part 1: For When Life is Spiritually Dry

I hope to write Part 3 one day! In the meantime, find out what God taught me about abiding in Him, and how that birthed fresh desire in me for Him: How To Stay Close To God As A Mum