Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. [genesis.21v33]
Starting in August of 2015, my life entered a long, winding road of transition and change. This road was littered with several moments where God was calling Nicole and I out into the unknown. Into a dessert. Into a wilderness. He was calling us to place one foot in front of the other. We couldn’t see any further than that next step; and each step was an invitation and a challenge to trust God in that moment.
When I look back at this season I realize that it was exciting and exhausting. But change is also hard. Exhausting. Change takes a lot of energy. And during this 2 years of our lives it felt as if there was no end in sight.
When I read about Abraham planting a tamarisk tree in the middle of the Negev dessert, I am filled with hope. I’m reminder that shade is just ahead, and God is my rest in the midst of change, in the midst of the dessert, in the midst of the wilderness.
I can relate to Abraham because in the midst of that dessert season I called upon the name of the Lord. The Eternal God. Who is above the immediate dessert but also fully present with me in that dessert. I called upon His name and he answered me. He delivered me. He gave me rest. He provided shade for the tired.
I’m not sure where you are right now…but know this for sure…wherever you find yourself; in a dessert, in the wilderness, scorched by the sun, wondering if there will ever be a fresh water…
You can call on the name of the Lord and He will hear you.
He will provide a tamarisk tree where you can sit awhile and rest in Him and Him alone.
Scripture Reading Suggestions:
Matthew 11v28-30
Exodus 33v12-23
Psalms 116
John 15v1-17
Psalms 37v3-7
Psalms 46
Psalms 3
Psalms 23
Isaiah 40v29-31