Psalm 13 captures David’s deep despondency and his struggle with God’s silence during a challenging period in the wilderness. This heartfelt lament reflects a profound sense of abandonment and a desperate plea for God’s intervention. David openly questions how long God will hide His face and whether he has been forgotten. Yet, by the end of the psalm, the tone shifts dramatically—despair gives way to trust and rejoicing as David affirms God’s unfailing love and looks forward to deliverance.
I want to reflect on a similar spiritual season in our lives—a time I’ll call the "Wilderness Experience," much like what David endured. It is a unique season of spiritual warfare that tests our faith and shapes our journey.
The wilderness is often a place of despair, where life feels dry, barren, and unfruitful. It’s a season marked by discouragement, much like the Israelites wandering aimlessly, going in circles, producing nothing. During my own wilderness season, I felt distant from the Lord—hidden, judged, and forgotten. I questioned if He cared, as everything around me seemed empty. In the wilderness, it’s hard to see any good. The wilderness is, above all, a time of waiting. And waiting—how unwelcome that word is. I’ve yet to meet anyone who enjoys waiting.
Waiting tests us. The longer it lasts, the more our hopes rise and fall, sometimes shattering over and over again. Heartsickness becomes a constant companion. We don’t know what God is doing. We can’t see the bigger picture. All we can do is wait for His timing, with no control over what’s ahead. Life feels like it’s on hold, stuck in a monotonous loop of uncertainty. I often entered these days with little expectation, feeling as though the world was moving forward while I remained stalled and stranded, longing for the wait to end so life could begin anew.
Yet, it’s in these seasons of waiting that God does His most profound work. Waiting is painful, lonely, and often invisible to others. No one sees the ache of unfulfilled desires, the quiet tears shed in the solitude of our wilderness, or hears the prayers we whisper in desperation. But God is working, even when we can’t see it. Especially in the wilderness, He is molding us, shaping us, and teaching us lessons we couldn’t learn anywhere else.
The wilderness tethers our hearts to Jesus in ways that self-reliance never could. It strips away our independence, forcing us to depend on Him completely. Though it’s hard to recognize in the moment, there is purpose in the wilderness. God uses these seasons to draw us closer, to refine us, and to lay a foundation of trust and hope. The hope that sustains us through the wilderness reminds us that God is present, even in the waiting, doing some of His most transformative work.
Why is waiting so difficult? Why do we resist it with every ounce of our being? And more importantly, how can we wait well during wilderness seasons in our lives?
1. What is a Spiritual Wilderness?
A spiritual wilderness is a season of life where we struggle to fully understand what God is doing. It’s a time when:
God leads us in a direction that feels unclear or uncertain.
His voice seems silent, and His presence feels distant.
We are left grappling with unanswered questions, feeling as though God is far away.
In moments like these, we echo the cry of the psalmist in Psalm 13:1-2:
"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"
Similarly, Job wrestled with God’s seeming absence, as described in Job 23:8-9:
"Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. On the left hand, where He is working, I do not see Him; He hides Himself on the right hand, so I cannot see Him."
The spiritual wilderness is never easy, but it is a profound part of our journey of faith. It challenges us to trust in God even when we cannot see or understand His plans, teaching us to wait with patience and hope.
2) Dangers in the Wilderness
In this section, I want to highlight potential dangers we may face if we are not vigilant.
The wilderness is a season where the enemy often seeks to distract us from God's plan. During this time, Satan may try to plant thoughts that lead us to doubt or oppose God's purpose for our lives. When we feel rejected or abandoned—even by God—it becomes easy to fall into these traps.
Here are some common ways the enemy influences our thoughts during these challenging periods:
We grow impatient and lose the resolve to follow God's direction.
We begin to doubt God's plan and purpose for our lives.
We question God's sovereignty and His love for us.
We loosen our grip on our dreams and passions, letting them fade away.
The wilderness experience is a testing ground for our faith and trust in God. Recognizing these dangers can help us remain steadfast, even in the face of hardship.
3) Why Do We Experience Wilderness Seasons in Life?
The wilderness season in our lives serves a deeper purpose, offering opportunities for growth, reflection, and transformation. Here's why such seasons are significant:
1. A Time of Learning
The wilderness is a period of learning—a chance to discover God’s plans and understand His ways more deeply. It’s a time to surrender our reliance on personal knowledge and strength, shifting our trust fully to God.
As Proverbs 3:5 reminds us:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
This verse encourages us to place our confidence in God rather than depending solely on our limited understanding.
2. The Road to the Promised Land
The wilderness is not a dead end; it’s a necessary path on the journey to the promised land. When the Hebrews escaped Pharaoh’s oppressive rule, they encountered a new set of challenges almost immediately.
Despite witnessing God’s miraculous rescue, they quickly began to grumble about their newfound freedom:
“There’s not enough food.”
“We don’t like the food.”
“There’s no water! We’ll die of thirst.”
“We don’t trust our leaders.”
“We don’t trust God.”
“Maybe this was a mistake.”
Fear and doubt crept in, leading them to wander the wilderness for 40 years. This barren, pathless place became their training ground, a season of preparation until they were ready to enter the Promised Land.
According to Merriam-Webster, a wilderness is:
“A region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings.”
“An area essentially undisturbed by human activity.”
“An empty or pathless area or region.”
The wilderness, especially in the biblical context, was a harsh and desolate place—a lonely expanse with little vegetation or wildlife. Yet, this seemingly barren region had a purpose. It was a place of testing, growth, and transformation, preparing God’s people for the abundant blessings that awaited them in their next season.
The same is true for us. In our wilderness seasons, we are invited to trust, to grow, and to prepare for the promises that lie ahead.
3. Divine Government in Our Lives Brings Progressive Growth
The Israelites’ long journey through the wilderness was a direct result of their unbelief. Yet, God never abandoned them—not even for a moment. He provided daily manna in perfect measure to sustain them. Their health endured, and their shoes miraculously lasted for forty years, untouched by wear. Imagine finding a pair of shoes that could endure such use today!
When the people, in their ingratitude, demanded meat, God provided it in abundance. When they were parched and without water, He made streams flow from a rock at Moses's command.
Throughout their winding journey, God guided them faithfully—a cloud by day and fire by night illuminated their path. He taught them how to build temporary shelters and a sacred place to worship Him. Even in the wilderness, He was their constant guide and provider.
During this time, the Lord spoke to Moses “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). Through Moses, the people received every instruction they needed to continue their journey and to grow in faith. This extraordinary period of God’s provision and guidance is still remembered during the Feast of Tabernacles, as commanded:
“...that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 23:43)
God’s faithfulness remains unchanging. Even when we are lost, rebellious, ungrateful, or stubborn, He never forsakes us. Truly, He is the most loving and patient of fathers.
4. The wilderness in our lives is not a symbol of defeat but a season of preparation for greater fruitfulness.
Reflecting on the years the Israelites spent in the wilderness, God reminded His people as they approached the Promised Land:
"I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet. You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, so that you might know that I am the LORD your God." – Deuteronomy 29:5-6
What has your God-appointed wilderness been? Are you walking through it right now? What might God be teaching you in this season? Are you embracing the lessons He wants you to learn?
When God leads you into the wilderness, He often removes what you’ve come to rely on apart from Him. Perhaps you’ve depended on your job as your ultimate source of provision, and God temporarily withholds it to teach you to trust Him as your provider. Or maybe you’ve leaned on your own strength and resilience, and God allows seasons of weakness to show you that true strength comes from Him. What feels like deprivation to you is, in reality, preparation in His eyes.
As God explained to the Israelites:
"You shall remember all the ways the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, to humble you, to test you, and to know what was in your heart—whether you would keep His commandments or not. He humbled you and let you go hungry, then fed you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothing did not wear out, nor did your feet swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that the LORD your God was disciplining you just as a father disciplines his son. Therefore, keep the commandments of the LORD your God, walk in His ways, and revere Him." – Deuteronomy 8:2-6
The wilderness is not meant to destroy you but to refine and strengthen you, drawing you closer to God and preparing your heart for the blessings He has in store. Will you trust Him in the process?
5. Wilderness in Our Lives: A Time of Purification, Not Rejection
The wilderness moments in life are not a sign of rejection but rather a season of purification, a time when God calls us to grow spiritually and experience His loving discipline. These challenging periods are often God’s way of refining our character, drawing us closer to Him, and revealing His purpose for our lives.
Much like a goldsmith refines gold through fire, God uses trials to purify our hearts and minds, stripping away the impurities that hinder us from becoming more like Him. In these moments of solitude, prayer, and reflection, we are given the opportunity to gain spiritual clarity and find strength.
During periods of change or disruption—when we are distanced from predictable routines or habitual worship—God may be using this time to purify and reshape our hearts. These trials, though difficult, allow us to see what truly matters and align our lives with His will.
It’s easy to view spiritual droughts as a detour or even a mistake in our journey of faith, as though we’ve wandered off the path and God is no longer guiding us. But nothing in our lives is without purpose—not even our time in the wilderness.
The wilderness is not our destination or our home, but it is a place where God can work deeply within us. Even in the desert, there is grace, as Jeremiah 31:2 reminds us: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness.” These seasons are opportunities to learn, grow, and experience the transformative power of God’s presence.
Consider these moments as an invitation to endure, trust, and wait on the Lord. In every place He leads us, even in the barren seasons, His plans are for our good, shaping us into the people He has called us to be.
The Wilderness as a Place of Discipline
The wilderness can serve as a place of spiritual discipline, where God teaches and molds us. His discipline is not to harm or punish but to train and guide us in love (Deut. 8:2-6). It’s an expression of His care—proof of His commitment to our growth and His patience as He nurtures us from spiritual infancy to maturity (Heb. 12:5-6; Rev. 3:19). If you find yourself in a season of wilderness for discipline, remember it stems from a Father’s loving heart, designed “to do you good in the end” (Deut. 8:16). Embrace the lessons He’s teaching and trust His perfect timing and methods.
The Wilderness as a Place of Testing and Refinement
The wilderness isn’t always about correction; it can also be preparation for the fruitfulness ahead. Consider Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness, where the Spirit specifically led Him (Matt. 4:1). That alone is comforting—God may lead us into wilderness seasons to refine us for His purposes.
In the wilderness, Jesus faced the Devil head-on and emerged victorious, wielding the power of God’s Word (Matt. 4:4). He grew in dependence on the Father (Matt. 4:7) and proved Himself as the Spirit-filled Son of God, ready to launch His ministry.
Similarly, Elijah’s time in the wilderness (1 Kings 17:1-5) preceded his powerful confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Before these moments of incredible fruitfulness and victory, God used the wilderness to prepare His servants.
The Wilderness as a Place to Renew Affection and Remove Idols
When life is comfortable, it’s easy to grow complacent, allowing our love for God to fade as we place our affections on worldly idols. But God, in His wisdom and love, knows these idols will ultimately leave us empty. In the wilderness, He strips away distractions to recapture our hearts.
In this solitude, we are confronted with God’s goodness as everything else fades. The wilderness becomes an oasis where God’s presence becomes clearer. Forced to rely on Him, we discover that He alone satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts (Deut. 32:10). In the quiet and desperation, God draws near, cares for us, and fills us with His love.
The Wilderness as a Place to Reveal God’s Glory
The wilderness often brings us to the brink of despair. It exposes our limits, insufficiency, and inability to save ourselves. Stripped of strength and options, we may feel hopeless and wonder how we’ll survive.
And yet, it’s in these moments—when all other doors are closed—that God’s glory shines most clearly. The wilderness is a stage for His power to be displayed, proving His faithfulness and sufficiency. Too often, we blame God first and credit Him last (Deut. 8:17). But in the wilderness, He reminds us that He alone is our provider, delivering us in ways that leave no doubt of His sovereignty.
The wilderness is not a place to fear but to embrace. It is a transformative space where God disciplines, refines, renews, and reveals His glory to us in profound ways.
4) God's Purpose in the Wilderness
1. To Teach Us Humility
One of the key reasons God leads us into the wilderness is to instill humility in us. In Deuteronomy 8:2, we read, “Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you…” The Hebrew word translated as “humble” is fascinating, as it carries both negative and positive connotations. Negatively, it can mean “to afflict,” while positively, it means “to humble.” This word is used in passages like Leviticus 16, which calls Israel to humble their souls before God on the Day of Atonement. Similarly, Moses, described as the most “humble” man on earth (Numbers 12:3), exemplifies the positive sense of humility.
True humility doesn’t mean low self-esteem or self-deprecation. Instead, it reflects an attitude of complete reliance on God rather than oneself. Humble individuals recognize their own limitations and understand that success comes not from self-reliance, but from dependence on the Lord. It’s not, as popular culture says, “God helps those who help themselves.” Rather, God helps those who depend on Him.
As I reflected on this, I explored how Scripture speaks of the ways God acts on behalf of those who are humble. Here’s what I found:
God hears the humble. Psalm 10:17 says, “Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts.”
God satisfies the humble. Psalm 22:26 declares, “The humble will eat and be satisfied.”
God leads the humble. Psalm 25:9 reminds us that “\[The Lord] leads the humble in what is right.”
God helps the humble. Psalm 147:6 says, “The Lord helps the humble.”
God delivers the humble. Psalm 149:4 proclaims, “The Lord adorns the humble with deliverance.”
God shows kindness to the humble. Proverbs 3:34 states, “The Lord gives grace (kindness) to the humble.”
Through humility, we learn to depend on God in every way, trusting that His strength, provision, and guidance will sustain us. The wilderness isn’t a place of abandonment—it’s where God molds us into people who fully rely on Him.
2. The Purpose of Obedience:
In the wilderness, the Israelites learned obedience and witnessed the unwavering faithfulness of God. Obedience is often misunderstood as something oppressive or overly demanding. However, for the Israelites, it was an opportunity to reflect God’s character and bear witness to His greatness before the world. Similarly, we are called to shine God’s light even in our own wilderness experiences.
Exodus 19:4 beautifully illustrates this:
"You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself."
God brought the Israelites to Himself—not just physically, but into a relationship as part of His family.
This is the heart of the covenant:
"If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
Let’s unpack these three profound elements:
Treasured Possession: God’s intimate and special relationship with His people.
Kingdom of Priests: A calling to represent God and mediate His grace and truth to the world.
Holy Nation: A community set apart to live in righteousness and reflect God’s holiness.
This covenant reminds us of the transformative power of obedience—not as mere rules to follow, but as a pathway to a deeper, more vibrant relationship with God.
3. Understanding Your Heart:
God's purpose in leading the Israelites through the wilderness was to humble and test them, revealing the true nature of their hearts and their willingness to obey His commandments. This period of trial acted as a refining crucible, uncovering what was genuine and exposing what was false, ultimately revealing the depth of their faith and obedience. The wilderness journey laid bare their true motivations and desires, showing whether they would remain faithful to God's commands. (Deuteronomy 8:2)
5) Revelation in the Wilderness
Deuteronomy 8:15:
"He who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents, scorpions, and parched land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock."
The "great and terrible wilderness" refers to a vast, desolate expanse filled with dangers (see Deut. 1:1 and 1:19 for descriptions of its immensity and peril). This wilderness was not only physically challenging but also spiritually testing.
Fiery serpents: The term "fiery serpents" is translated in the New Revised Standard Version as "poisonous snakes," similar to the Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, Revised English Bible, and New International Version, which use "venomous snakes." There is some debate over whether this phrase refers to mythical creatures like dragons (see "flying serpent" in Isaiah 30:6) or actual venomous reptiles. It is generally more accurate to follow translations like the Good News Translation or New Revised Standard Version. In languages with distinct terms for snakes based on their venomous nature, the term for poisonous snakes should be selected here for clarity.
Thirsty land where there was no water: This phrase vividly describes the arid, desolate nature of the wilderness, a "dry country without any water." The Good News Translation renders it effectively as "dry and waterless land." However, in some languages, the combination of "dry" and "waterless" may feel redundant. In such cases, a simpler phrasing, such as "a land where people cannot find water," may be preferable.
Brought water out of the flinty rock: As detailed in Numbers 20:2–13, "flinty rock" refers to solid, hardened rock, not loose or soft stone. To make the Lord’s miraculous act clearer, it may be phrased as: "In a land without water, He \[Yahweh] split open a rock, and water poured out so you could drink." This emphasizes both the impossibility of the situation and the Lord’s power and provision in such dire circumstances.
6) Provision in the Wilderness
Deuteronomy 8:16: "In the wilderness, it was He who fed you manna, which your fathers had never known, to humble you and to test you, so that in the end, He might do you good."
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land included an unexpected 40-year detour in the wilderness. During this time, Moses reminded the people of God’s unwavering faithfulness and provision, even in their hardship. He declared: “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These 40 years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7).
Through trials and testing, God provided for His people, meeting their needs while preparing them for the blessings ahead.
1. Led by God
“As many as are led by the Spirit”…learning to fully rely on God.
When the Israelites left Egypt and entered the wilderness, they were placed in a position of complete dependence on Him.
Deuteronomy 8:2 highlights an essential truth: God led them through the wilderness. Only God knew the path to the Promised Land, and He purposefully guided them into a situation where they had no choice but to trust Him. Their own skills, strength, or intellect could not have delivered them from the might of Egypt, nor could these qualities lead them to their inheritance.
Only through God’s strength and mercy could they be guided to the land He promised, just as it is only by His grace that we can have our sins forgiven, overcome the world, and enter His Kingdom (Ex. 13:6, Eph. 2:8).
It’s worth noting that Pharaoh, representing the world and its systems, believed the Israelites were lost and confused (Ex. 14:3). Society often views those who follow God with similar bewilderment—even hostility—when they see us stepping away from worldly norms, choosing instead to follow God’s path.
God’s direction was intentional every step of the way. He led the Israelites on a specific route to avoid the land of the Philistines—not because He couldn’t protect them, but because He knew their hearts. He understood their fear and that the threat of war would drive them back to Egypt in an instant (Ex. 13:17).
God’s deep understanding of their weaknesses reflects His understanding of us today. He knows our limits and promises not to test us beyond what we can bear (I Cor. 10:13).
For the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God knew exactly where they were and what they needed at every moment. He had a path prepared for them, guiding them along it while providing for their physical and spiritual needs.
2. God’s Provision in the Wilderness
In their journey through the wilderness, God met every physical need of the Israelites. He was their constant guide and protector—a pillar of cloud by day to provide shade and direction, and a pillar of fire by night to offer light and safety (Nehemiah 9:5-15). His presence was visibly with them every moment, reassuring and steadfast.
God provided manna, the "daily bread" symbolizing the spiritual nourishment we are instructed to seek. Through the extreme desert heat, He sustained them with water. Remarkably, even their shoes never wore out during their long journey (Deuteronomy 2, 8, 9).
"Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you…’" (Exodus 16:4).
"Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” (Exodus 17:6).
When they were hungry, He sent manna from heaven. When they were thirsty, He made water gush from a rock. Each day, miracles unfolded before their eyes. All they had to do was gather the manna, drink the water, and receive His blessings. Even bitter waters were made sweet and drinkable through His intervention. Time and again, God provided for every need with unending faithfulness.
Just as the Israelites depended on God for their daily sustenance, so must we trust in His provision today. They couldn’t store up manna for the future—they had to collect it fresh each morning, relying on Him every single day. And every morning, without fail, He provided exactly what they needed. They were nourished, refreshed, and cared for, never lacking in anything.
God’s resources are infinite, and His provisions never run dry.
3. Strength in the Wilderness
I’ve always loved this quote about the wilderness, written by the late Peter C. Craigie, a renowned British biblical scholar:
"The wilderness tested and disciplined the people in various ways. On the one hand, the desolation of the wilderness removed the natural props and supports on which man instinctively depends; it forced the people to rely on God, who alone could provide the strength to endure. On the other hand, the harshness of the wilderness exposed the shallow confidence of those not truly rooted in God.
The wilderness either makes or breaks a person; it shapes willpower and character. Yet the strength gained in the wilderness is not one of self-sufficiency, but a strength born of knowing the living God."
(Craigie, Deuteronomy, p.185)
This quote resonates deeply with me because it offers a framework to understand the wildernesses we each face in life. While the causes and circumstances of our struggles may differ, we all encounter them at some point. But the real question is: how do we respond when we find ourselves in a wilderness? Where do we turn for strength?
When relationships are fractured, finances are strained, or health feels fragile, our natural instinct is often to cling to the “props and supports” we tend to rely on. Yet, Craigie’s words challenge us to go deeper—not into ourselves, but into God.
As Christians, our wilderness is not a place of abandonment but an opportunity for intimacy with God. It is in the wilderness that He draws us nearer, refining us and teaching us to rely on His strength. As the prophet Hosea says, “I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her… There I will give her back her vineyards and make the Valley of Trouble a door of hope” (Hosea 2:14–15).
So when you find yourself in a wilderness, remember: it’s not a place of despair, but a place of transformation. It is where God builds not just your character, but your trust in Him.
I love this quote because of its unexpected twist. Conventional wisdom suggests that training and hardships make a man stronger by toughening his body and spirit to endure harsh conditions. There’s some truth to this—after all, this idea forms the foundation of athletic training. We groan at the thought of running sprints at the end of soccer practice because they’re painful, but we also recognize that wind sprints build endurance and strength over time. This type of strength—gained through the breaking down and rebuilding of muscle—is familiar and measurable.
However, this is not the kind of strength the wilderness offers, nor the type Craigie refers to. The real twist in the quote lies in its conclusion: the wilderness doesn’t strengthen by building up, but by breaking down. It repeatedly shatters a man, forcing him to confront his own limitations. Yet, through this breaking, true strength emerges—not from within himself, but from reliance on God. In the wilderness, we reach the end of our natural strength and, in doing so, discover the ultimate source of strength beyond ourselves.
