Water in the Desert

The sun setting behind Grandfather Mountain . . . in climbing to this place we were surrounded by blooming rhododendron.  Luscious!  Doesn't God's creation sometimes take your breath away?  Does it sometimes amaze you that He provides so much beauty for our pleasure? 

I think of this as I read Isaiah 41:17-20.  When the poor and needy seek water . . . I the Lord will answer them; . . . I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys.  I will make the wilderness (!!) a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.  Read on and you will see vegetation in the desert and trees in the wilderness.  Why does He answer us in this way?  That they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.   God wants us to know Him!  He desires that we understand His unfathomable love and care for us.  Even when our circumstances don't change (they were still in the wilderness), He is there with us, lavishing us with His kind love. 

This passage reminds me of Ephesians 1, where we see again His lavishness toward us:  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight. . . . .

When it seems as though the desert is your home, weep and lament, then stop and listen for the sound of water.