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Giving Thanks in the Wilderness
Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever. —Psalm 136:16
Wilderness = A tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings. An empty or pathless area or region. A bewildering situation.
Big Idea: God doesn’t block the wilderness because He knows the benefits it can bring.
Big Question: What are the benefits of being in the wilderness?
Main Scripture: Psalm 63:1-8
A Psalm of David, regarding a time when David was in the wilderness of Judah.
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. —Psalm 63:1
1.) The wilderness reveals how much I need God
Ease he did not seek and honor he did not covet, but the enjoyment of communion with God was an urgent need for his soul. He didn’t view it as just a luxury, but an absolute necessity, like water to a body. —Treasuries of David
I need God as much today as I do in the midst of or potential of tragedy. God is my strength, my fortress, and my refuge.
2.) The wilderness reminds me of how great God is
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. —Psalm 63:2-6
Because of God’s past performance I am reminded to trust Him in my present problems.
3.) The wilderness refocuses me to trust in God
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. —Psalm 63:7-8
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. —Matthew 23:37