Experiencing Wilderness Living
Are we experiencing wilderness living? I’m not talking about a survival challenge where one willingly goes into the wilderness to test their mental and physical endurance. This wilderness experience is usually thought of as tough times in which we endure major trials and tribulation. During such times, we are unable to enjoy life because of the unceasing stress and strain over conditions in which we have no control. Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.
Our current world is presenting us with challenges we have never faced before. These events, without a doubt, test our mental, physical, and spiritual endurance. It feels like a bad dream repeated on a continuous loop.
Struggles for power, influence, and control have resulted in strife and evil of every type—locally, nationally, and internationally. James must have had these times in mind when he wrote: “Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16). Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.
God revealed during wilderness living
For the nations of Israel, living in captivity in Babylon and Assyria was their experience with “wilderness living.” For seventy (70) years they were removed from those things which they loved the most—their land, their temple, and most importantly, their God. But God, through His prophet Isaiah, sent words of consolation to Israel during their wilderness experience. He promised to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:16-19).
New in Hebrew means to renew, rebuild, or repair. During these times of uncertainty and chaos all three actions are needed. Our minds need to be renewed versus being conformed to the insanity of the world (Romans 12:1-2). We need to rebuild and repair our relationships (Romans 12:17-18). We are divided by so many things—our political views, our racial makeup, our economic position. Satan has used these factors to polarize us and negate Jesus’ mandate to love one another (Matthew 5:43-44).
God promised Israel that He would not only renew, rebuild, and repair that which was loss during the exile, but He would also, do the impossible— “make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” God would revive Israel physically and spiritually.
Through our wilderness experience, God is CONTINUALLY renewing, rebuilding, and repairing our lives (Psalm 130:5).
Facing wilderness living
Wilderness experiences are times in our lives when we feel powerless and lack those things that bring us happiness, contentment, and peace. Wilderness living is different for everyone.
For some people wilderness living may be survival—inability to provide for physical and emotional needs. It may be relational—failed, estranged, or disappointing relationships. For still others, wilderness living may be experiential—moments of personal loss, loneliness, or misfortune. No two wildernesses are the same.
Our spiritual man may also feel strained. Our faith is challenged as we try to make sense of what God is doing not only in the world but in our lives. We feel alone and isolated. We may even think God has left us and no longer hears our prayers. Is God with us in our wilderness? He answers, “Yes!” It’s in His Word (Psalms 91:15; Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 49:15).
Living in the wilderness
John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of “Resilient: Restoring your weary soul in these Turbulent Times” shares his thoughts about living in wilderness:
One of the first warnings Jesus gave us about living through [these] times was simply don’t “freak out”. Unflappable Jesus, the most level-headed guy ever, simply refuse to get baited into any of the drama of his own day. And he urges us to be unflappable too. Jesus knew that everything was going to be shouting for our attention, trying to get us all spun up. It wears a soul down. And there is a way out.
Regardless of our wilderness experience, we can ALWAYS trust God. We can relinquish control to God’s sovereign will and His steadfast love (Psalm 18:1-3). He cares about everything that keeps us awake at night—our family, our provision, and our future. God will sustain us. While we have no forecast as to where these times may lead us, we DO have the blessed assurance that God is with us and for us (Psalm 119:116). As we strengthen our intimacy with Him, we will find true contentment, and peace, even during “Wilderness Living 2025” (Revelations 21:7).