An Oasis in Barren Land

As hiking enthusiasts, when we visited Israel, we were excited to visit the En Gedi nature reserve, located in the Judean wilderness and on the western slope of the Dead Sea. It was an extremely hot day, with temperatures reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and we were relieved to come to the wondrous site of David’s waterfall. Despite being in a dry setting, it is a beautiful site in the valley where lush vegetation grows, and you can swim in the small natural pools of water. It was refreshing to reach the oasis in a barren place, but even more encouraging to behold were the abundant caves located there. The caves here provided David with protective refuge from Saul, and it is in these caves that David hid and authored some of his most inspiring psalms while depending on the Lord for help.

Today’s Psalm resonates with all of us when we need mercy and vindication. The kind of disaster alluded to in today’s passage is an unlikely one for us, yet the language of crying out to the Lord for mercy can speak to anyone who is suffering. Like David, when our emotions and bodies are exhausted, let us seek refuge in God as our stronghold in times of distress and danger. From these darkened, dismal places of loneliness, God can foster some of the greatest moments in our lives.

Recently, our family has had some deep challenges. The Holy Spirit has prompted me, asking, “Will you still praise me, even when you are in distress?” The Lord’s praise should be heard throughout the earth, and God should be praised because God is Lord. God fulfills his purposes for us as we delight and honor him. May we continue to show our confidence in the Lord before a watching world, even in barren places as we hide in God’s protective care.

Lord, thank you that when I am surrounded by danger, I can ask you for help. You are my refuge and help in times of trouble. Please help me trust you when evil surrounds me, and my circumstances are challenging. Thank you for the fact that I can hide in you and that you will be glorified. May I praise you at all times. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Throughout this day: listen to Brandon Lake’s song: Praise you Anywhere Brandon Lake - Praise You Anywhere (Official Music Video)