Those who survive the coming destruction will find blessings even in the barren land, for I will give rest to the people of Israel.
— Jeremiah 31:2
The transition nearly broke us. Moving from our home of almost 20 years…leaving jobs, friends, church family, and a home full of memories to be ushered into a new place…a new life. We weren’t prepared for the immense changes or the grief that hit hard. Sitting in the darkness of my new room, all I could see was loss. Tears rolled down and I was unwilling to look for hope, blind to all that God had done to bring us here.
In moments of deep loss or pain, we often wonder if God has abandoned us. We doubt His goodness. We question His love. We wish our life were different and our thoughts become consumed by we don’t have. The Israelites in Jerusalem had these same questions. Their life was turned upside down when the Babylonians invaded and began taking prisoners. Yet, in the middle of the pain and sorrow, as they watched their friends and family being taken into captivity, God offered HOPE…a promise of blessing even in the barren land.
This “barren land” or wilderness was a dry, desolate wasteland that couldn’t sustain life. Yet, throughout Scripture, God used wilderness experiences to demonstrate His character, test the faithfulness of His people, and provide in unique ways. In Genesis 16, Hagar fled to the desert to escape the harsh treatment of Sarai. After leaving Egypt in Exodus 14, God directed Moses to lead the people into the wilderness and, in 1 Kings 19, Elijah barely escapes death by fleeing into the barren land. Each wilderness story invites us to view loss through the lens of God’s goodness and to understand that hope still lives even in the most inhospitable places.
1. Obedience in the Wilderness
Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.
—Deuteronomy 8:2
I have been known to be a pretty stubborn person…especially when it comes to change. In those moments, God often uses a spiritual 2×4 to get my attention, placing me in situations where there’s only one path forward: His way. He strips away the distractions that crowd my mind, forcing me to focus solely on Him.
The Israelites faced a similar challenge after leaving Egypt. God knew they would bolt back at the first sign of trouble, so He led them the long way around — away from the easier road and into the wilderness (Exodus 13:17-18). Like them, I need these barren experiences to cultivate humility, reminding me that true obedience is forged in complete dependence on God.
2. Trust in God’s Provision
We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance.
—Psalm 66:12
On page after page of Scripture, we see God stepping in as His people face insurmountable odds. When the Israelites grew thirsty, he drew water from a rock. When hunger gnawed, He sent manna and quail to fill their need. Even Elijah, fleeing into the barren wilds, saw God miraculously provide warm bread and a jar of water. In these desolate places, God provided exactly what was needed.
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we come to the end of ourselves and discover that He alone is our provider, sustainer, and our only Hope. By its very nature, the wilderness is a barren and fruitless expanse. Yet, this is precisely where God invites us to trust Him. In the wasteland where we can’t rely on our own strength or resources, we learn to lean wholly on Him, discovering His faithfulness in the midst of scarcity.
3. Hope for Restoration
‘“They will come home and sing songs of joy…they will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts…Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you…there is hope for your future,’ says the Lord.
—Jeremiah 31:12, 16-17
In the middle of their exile experience, God gave Israel this promise: “The future is bright for you and for your children.” All along, God had a plan. They would experience the hardship of the wilderness, but the pain and suffering would make the return to Jerusalem that much sweeter. Then, years later, the Israelites would see the fulfillment of this promise in the flesh. Jesus.
There’s no doubt we will go through barren lands…those dry, dusty places where we can’t see God at work. It is an important part of our faith journey. But, when the way is long and the path is hard, don’t give up. Though you may not see it yet, keep hoping. Keep trusting. Wipe your eyes, blink back the tears, and put your trust in Him. There is hope that we will see goodness again. His promise is sure. His love is faithful.
Today, the sun shines bright. The seasons are changing once more. I remember that bleak day in my dark, lonely room when I couldn’t see what God was doing. But now, looking back, I see His hand guiding and teaching. He was revealing a new aspect of his character. He was allowing me to see the quiet stillness of His goodness in the darkest places.