“One road leads home and a thousand roads lead into the wilderness.” –C.S. Lewis, “The Pilgrim’s Regress”
Regardless of how we got there, walking through the spiritual “wilderness” moments of life are typically turbulent and leaves us with one of two outlooks on life:
- We’re instilled with a sense of wanderlust with the Lord, eager to travel with Him through every moment, or,
- We’re constantly searching for relief, thirsty and desolate in spirit.
Even if we find ourselves living in the second of those options—sitting with scorched and tired souls, waiting for reprieve in the wasteland–our perspective on the wilderness can change by drawing closer to Christ. We can make the most of the wilderness by opening our hearts to how God will move with and through us, even in the most desolate places.
Spiritual meaning of wilderness in the Bible
The word “wilderness” is mentioned over 300 times in the Bible (depending on the translation). Here are just a few examples:
- The Israelites, who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
- Moses, who spent 40 years living as a shepherd in the wilderness.
- Elijah, who hid in the wilderness while facing severe depression.
- Hagar, who fled in desperation to the wilderness with her son.
- David, who spent time in the wilderness tending his sheep, and later fled from Saul.
- And many more!
In each of these illustrations, the wilderness served as an emotional, spiritual, or occupational shift. It jolted hearts back to life, deepened surrender, taught life lessons, shifted perspectives, or renewed purpose. It tested limits, causing people to reach the end of themselves.
But here’s an even more important takeaway: The Lord was still working in their wilderness moments.
Because of His sovereign hand:
- The next generation of the Israelites reached the Promised Land.
- Moses returned to Egypt to free his people from slavery.
- Elijah was restored and renewed with a sound mind, returning to face his enemies.
- Hagar went back to face her situation, empowered and sustained by the Lord.
- David walked into his destiny as a king.
The problems didn’t disappear. The peril didn’t disappear. The pain didn’t disappear.
In fact, the wilderness didn’t disappear.
Instead, the Lord used it for their good.
Jesus in the wilderness
The wilderness symbolizes a place of testing or trial. Does that mean we should fear or avoid it?
Jesus traveled in the wilderness for 40 days, where He was tempted by the enemy (Matthew 4). Every time the enemy snuck in a lie or attempted to make Him doubt His purpose, Jesus quoted Scripture and put the accuser in his place. Spoiler alert: Jesus never failed, and He came out victorious!
Additionally, Jesus often withdrew in nature to find solitude, pray, and connect with the Father. If Jesus didn’t shy away from the wilderness moments, neither should we! His perfect example displays these practical points:
- The wilderness is wild: Acknowledging that the wilderness moments of life are hard reiterates our need for Christ.
- Embrace the solitude: Jesus is perfect in every way and still chose to seek solitude. Being still in the wilderness isn’t stagnancy; it’s pausing to listen to God.
- Meditate on Scriptural truths: Remind your spirit that God is with you and confront the enemy’s lies with God’s truths.
- Open your heart: Invite Jesus to join you on the journey, and relinquish control to Him. He’s the living water that refreshes our spirits in the wasteland. Remember that He is with and for you every step of the way.
Wild hearts and wanderlust souls
“The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.” – Joel 2:24-26 (ESV)
When we embrace our wildernesses with Jesus, our beautiful, wild hearts and wanderlust souls are restored. God wants us to tackle the wilderness with a spirit that yearns for Him. He is faithful to remold our spirits, so they become reflections of His goodness and grace to a hurting world.
Maybe you’re not in a wilderness moment quite yet, but they do come, so preparedness is crucial. What’s more, when we can’t see what God is doing, withdrawing physically to spend time in nature can function as the “reset button” our hearts need to hear His voice.
“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.” –Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Getting away in nature has a practical side. When we change our environment, it often retunes our hearts to the melody of Christ. It encourages us to be still in His presence. Whether you find yourself continually in awe of God’s creation as you head out on a hike, or if you’re an unhappy camper at the thought of sleeping in a tent, spending time in nature has a way of unearthing what’s already happening in our hearts.
National Wilderness Month, which takes place in September each year, reminds us of the importance of spending time in the great outdoors. What’s more, it’s a fantastic way to connect with Christ. Consider going on a prayer walk, invite a friend to a spend some park time bonding in biblical community, or find a quiet spot to read a devotional. No matter what you pick, you’ll be restoring your body and soul while preparing for those spiritual wilderness moments, too.
Remember, Jesus is with you in your wilderness. He doesn’t forsake you in a spiritual desert, even when He feels far out of reach. In the times when your soul is tired, and you’re not sure how to take another step, lean in and let go. He’s strong enough to catch you. He’ll lead you on this journey.
