In the Desert
“He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream”
Often, Lent feels like a season in the desert with Jesus. For me, fasting isn’t very cozy or fun and as you know from yesterday’s post, I usually fail pretty quickly. But today’s first reading brings us hope.
The Lord says that a woman who trusts in the Lord and hopes in Him “is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream.” I did a little research on trees in the desert, and they’re not like the trees in your backyard. Trees in the desert adapt to excessively dry climates by growing extremely long roots.
Lent is a time to grow roots.
Sisters, Lent is the perfect time to take a cue from our clever wooden friends - to grow long roots with the Lord. It’s the perfect time to dig deep and press in for more.
We get to be in a desert season, and even though it’s hard, it’s good. Even though growing roots takes time and energy, it’s worth it. We’re in a season of invitation to deepening. I’m good at grumbling in the desert seasons, but what if I saw the inconvenience of the desert as an invitation to grow closer to the stream?
Father,
Thank You for inviting me into the desert. Thank You for leading the way into the wilderness - into the wild You have prepared.
Teach us how to be like the desert trees - to grow long roots, to grow deep roots. Teach us how to stretch and pursue You with eagerness for Your life-giving water.
God, we love You. Help us to respond to the desert with confidence and hope in Your goodness. Amen.