Lent 2 | Desert Lessons
“I cared for you in the wilderness, in the dry desert where no water was. ”
The prophet Hosea points us to the lessons of the desert: In the empty dry places, it is we who have abandoned God through our habits of life, our neglect, our indifference. We are thirsty, in need of water.
If we acknowledge our weakness, we may lean upon the strength of God.
If we admit our fear, we may receive the courage of God.
If we declare ourselves lost, we may take the leading hand of God.
This Lent, may we begin to release whatever is not of God -- this God who cares for us in our wilderness.
God promises to come close, out there wherever you are, leading you into green pastures: rejoicing, home at last.
Be silent.
Be still.
Alone.
Empty
Before your God.
Say nothing.
Ask nothing.
Be silent.
Be still.
Let your God look upon you.
That is all.
God knows.
God understands.
God loves you
With an enormous love,
And only wants
To look upon you
With that love.
Quiet.
Still.
Be.
Let your God—
Love you.-Denise Levertov
Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash.