Water in the Wilderness

" For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,  so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.   For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. "  Isaiah 55:10-13


These words through the prophet Isaiah to the Babylonian captives living in desert exile were surprising words of hope.  While many of us may be used to snow and rain and may take it for granted, these desert dwellers knew the vital need for snow and rain and how it could transform the landscape. 

But the promise here is not for the weather, but that the Word of the Lord would make good the promises of God.  God's word would accpomlish God's purposes.  This is a very common understanding in Hebrew, for the word used when God speaks is the word 'dabar'-  which means to speak AND to do.  In other words, when God speaks, it is as good as done.  God's promises are THAT sure, THAT certain, that to not be done is not even an option.

These words retain their promise for our time as well.  As we wander the desert of Chronic illness, there are times when all around us (and even inside us) can be a barren wasteland.  However, these words from Isaiah remind us that the nurturing of the wilderness is not up to us.  As we spend time in God's word, we are promised that God will work God's promises and transform our wilderness. 

As God's Word flows over us, there is a reason, a purpose for how it interacts in our lives.  God's word will make a difference-- not because we're so brilliant (although you are ! :-)  but God's word will make a difference because of who God is.  God's word to us is as good as action. 

Today I encourage you to spend some time in God's word.  Let the words and the hope and compassion and love wash over you like a spring rain, and let your weary dry parts of your spirit soak up the abundant care God wants you to have.

Extravagant God, you send your love to wash over us every minute of every day.  Too often we find ourselves hungry and thirsty for you as we walk in this chronic illness desert.  Help us to receive the nurturing care that you give, and help us to bloom right where we are today.  Amen.