By definition, a wilderness area is an uninhabited and uncultivated area. The closest I’ve been to true wilderness is camping in the Boundary Waters canoe area of Northern Minnesota. No planes fly overhead, and they do not allow any motorized boats or vehicles. It’s just you, your canoe, hiking boots, and miles and miles of lakes and trails. The meaning of wilderness in the Bible has many similarities.
Bible Characters in the Wilderness
It seems like many Biblical characters spent time in the wilderness. The first two that come to mind are Moses and the Israelites (40 years), and Jesus.
But we also see Job in the wilderness of substantial loss and Joseph in the wilderness of treachery and captivity (13 years of slavery and imprisonment).
John the Baptist lived in the wilderness for years in preparation for his ministry. Paul lived in the wilderness of Arabia for three years before beginning his ministry. (Galatians 1:11-20)
Society banished lepers into the wilderness. Hagar runs away into the desert wilderness to escape Sarah’s abuse. The list goes on…
Definition of Wilderness in the Bible
There are a few types of wilderness mentioned in the Bible. It can mean a land without water, a wasteland, or an area of wild fields where animals graze, but not used for farming or living.
We are going to concentrate on the definition of wilderness as an uninhabited area where we spend time alone and encounter God. It has a purpose (His plan), but is not always apparent.
Jesus in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus experienced the wilderness immediately after His baptism. The Spirit led Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
My first thought was how obedient Jesus was.
He willingly went into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for 40 long days and nights. Even though His Father was there with Him (John 8:29), Jesus was exhausted and hungry.
It was at this low point the devil hit Him with the temptation to turn stones into bread.
Jesus could have used the strength of His power to make Himself a loaf of bread, but declined. It’s interesting that Satan tried to use Jesus’ strength to tempt Him.
I always think of Satan tempting us in our weak areas, but he also knows our strengths! He can and will tempt and deceive us in all areas of our lives.
The devil continues to tempt Jesus, but He stood firm. He even shows us how to resist temptation- using the power of Scripture.
•Our wilderness journeys may be a time of temptation and trial. Jesus used His knowledge of Scripture and obedience to overcome.
We can make it through our wilderness journey by using Jesus’ strategies and trusting in God as our source of all we need.
Israel in the Wilderness
The 40 years the Israelites spent in the desert gives us an extended look at wilderness life.
Pharaoh let the people go, and God takes them the long way to the Red Sea. He knew they were not ready to fight the Philistines on the shorter route. The Israelites complained about their wilderness route, but it was God’s care and protection, not a punishment!
Israel in the Desert
There was no water or food in the barren wilderness, but God provided manna from heaven and water from a rock. When the people grumbled about the lack of meat in their diet, God provided quail.
God led them through the dark and unchanging landscape as a pillar of cloud for the day, and a pillar of fire by night.
God showed Himself over and over as Provider and Protector. So why did the Israelites wander around in the wilderness for 40 years? This journey should have taken them only a few weeks.
They were stuck in the wilderness because they did not believe in God’s promises or plans.
They needed to trust and obey God, but they wouldn’t. God kept them there to refine their faith and strip them of their idols.
He was preparing them to enter the Promised Land, and they had a lot to learn before they could flourish there.
•God used this extended wilderness journey to strengthen the Israelite’s faith. He can use the wilderness in the same way to strengthen us.
He separates us from things that draw us away from Him so that we can know Him better and experience transformation by the Holy Spirit.
In the Wilderness with God
Even the disciples were called into a wilderness experience.
They had to quit their jobs, face financial hardship, and leave the comfort of their families. It turned their lives upside down.
They struggled with long journeys on foot, weariness, hunger and fear. The disciples followed Jesus willingly, but that didn’t mean it was easy.
They were unsure of their purpose and many of the things He was trying to teach them. They needed to learn spiritual discipline, have their faith tested, and learn to obey His commands.
Jesus was preparing them for something special- the work of spreading the Gospel message.
•God takes us into the wilderness when He is preparing, refining, and training us to do His good works.
A Wilderness Season
Our wilderness experiences can be multi-faceted. The wilderness sometimes removes the noise and busyness of the everyday so we can hear God’s voice clearly. It can also be a season to encounter God in our discomfort and suffering.
God wants us to be a people “set apart” for him and meeting Him alone in the wilderness may be the best way.
Maybe your wilderness season is a heavy burden- financial, physical, or mental.
We all have wilderness seasons in our lifetimes. We might feel overwhelmed and confused about where God is leading us.
It can be a time of feeling abandoned and discouraged. God seems silent. Sometimes long periods in the wilderness leave us wondering if God has forgotten us.
Know that He always faithfully guides us on our entire journey. Sometimes He will even carry us along the way.
He will patiently wait for us to learn to lean on Him for everything, protect us from danger, show us something about ourselves we need to know, or other endless lessons.
The wilderness can be a time of testing and relationship building. It can be a private time of connection between God and us if we let it happen. It’s one way God can get our full attention and show us His love and care.
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Purpose of the Wilderness in the Bible
Here are Peter”s words of joy and hope in times of wilderness struggles:
“In this (our living hope in Christ) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1: 6-7.
While our wilderness journeys are challenging, they do not last forever. We walk the wilderness paths to grow and learn, trust, and obey.
God leads us there to prepare us for the good works He has in mind. We are His handiwork, “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
God doesn’t put us in the wilderness and leave. He promises to never leave us! He puts us in the wilderness to show us a clearer picture of Himself and His love.
Biblical Wilderness Lessons
The wilderness is never a comfortable place, but if we have eyes to see, there are also beautiful lessons there.
My wilderness camping trip stretched my physical abilities and comfort level to the limit. I’d describe the food as “unsavory.” Our water had to be boiled before we could drink it, so it was always warm. Not exactly thirst quenching on a hot day.
Camp life was full of exhausting chores. When the mosquitos were eating us alive, we’d dive into the tent to sleep on the hard ground.
But, waking up to the sounds of the forest awakening, the panoramic sunsets, the night skies FULL of stars, and the sparkling clear blue lakes? You could almost feel His presence in His mighty creation.
It tested me mentally and physically. I learned some important lessons about my capabilities and how to push through fear (bears!) and hard times that I never would have learned outside of the wilderness.
Our spiritual wilderness seasons are similar. The purpose of His spiritual discipline is not to cause pain, but to teach us to rely on Him. We can trust His timing and His methods.
The wilderness can:
•strengthen and grow our faith
•help us develop perseverance
•show us how God works in our circumstances
•help us see ourselves as His beloved child
•know God better and become spiritually mature
•be a creative place where we learn His purpose for our lives.
God in the Wilderness
God speaks to us in a unique way in the wilderness. Are you really listening to Him? We can use this time to give Him our full, thoughtful attention and listen for what He has to say. Practice silence and stillness before Him.
Let Him be your sustenance (feed you!) in the wilderness. He provided water, manna, and quail to show the Israelites that He is their Jehovah Jireh– a mighty provider of all their needs. Jesus is our “bread from heaven”- feast daily at the table of His presence!
God wants to use your wilderness experiences to show you what is already planted in your heart and soul, so that you can use them to thrive.
It’s also a time to show you what you need, so that you can learn, grow, and become more like Jesus.
The wilderness can be an encouraging place to connect with God. He’s showing us the changes we need to make to move us into the places He has planned.
The Promised Land awaited the Israelites, but they needed to fully rely on God first. They needed to smash and remove all idols from their lives. Are there idols in your life that need to go?
God made us in His image and wants us to see ourselves as He sees us– pure and redeemed, cherished, and loved. He will take us to the wilderness if that’s what it takes to open our eyes to His magnificent love and power in our lives.
This verse from the Song of Moses tells us of God’s loving care of the Israelites in the wilderness:
“In a desert land He found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye.” Deuteronomy 32:10.
God continues to shield, guard, and protect us in the same way today. Trust Him in your wilderness!
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva, AnnMarie Anderson
You wrote: “Here are Paul’s words of joy and hope in times of wilderness struggles:
‘In this (our living hope in Christ) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ 1 Peter 1: 6-7.
Just a correction, Peter (not Paul) wrote 1 and 2 Peter.
Thanks so much for letting me know! Corrected!
Study God’s word with an open mind and heart. That way you won’t see mistakes of your own mind but rather behold His glory in the word.
Go back and read the scripture he wrote and you’ll humbly realize he never wrote Paul but you saw Paul because you were eager to point out mistakes
I actually fixed it- I did have the wrong author when he commented!
Oh really an interesting explanation. May God bless you. God’s grace will be always with you.
Thank you, Taye. God’s blessings on you as well!
Beautiful lesson indeed and I learnt a lot as I prepare for my Sunday sermon on the temptation of Jesus
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement! I am so glad we connected. I pray that whoever hears your sermon is blessed and encouraged as well. God bless you in your ministry!
This was so yummy to receive. I am experiencing a wilderness season and as much as I want it to be over, I am blessed and favored by God. Obedience has been the key. Submitting to God’s will completely is new. When I didn’t like or understand the culture of a workspace, I would find another place. I was at my last school for 6 years and the Lord told me to put in my 30 day notice. I only applied to one job that didn’t call me back. A school in another city wanted me. I was hired without applying. God told me to go. It has been overwhelming but God very present in showing me how to respond in unfamiliar situations in a foreign place. I had to teach a Bible study on God’s Absolute Truths last Wed. I am learning to honor God in all areas of life. Yes, I slip but I go back to Him and repent as He is refining me for the next space. The job I applied called, I interviewed, and they collected my references. I know that while I’m still in this place, I’m growing.
What a beautiful testimony to your willing heart and God’s endless love, care, and guidance! We all slip (daily!), but He is so patient with us! Our faith grows daily when we allow Him to guide 🙂 God Bless you, Jacqueline!
Beautiful testimony indeed. We have a bit in common and I, too, are going through a rough 🥵 desert/wilderness season! Oh man, talk about clearing the table lol. Still, I have learned, I have learned to lay down all my set (yet tired) ways and to acknowledge and revere God in all of His. It has been a divine journey, often perplexing. However, I am so grateful we serve such a perfect, loving, compassionate, and Sovereign God who wants the best for His children 🙌🏽.
I’m awaiting my breakthrough, but praise the Lord for yours! 👏🏽🙏🏽
Really great article, I enjoyed it thoroughly! Much love to both of you Sisters in Christ!😊💜
Amen! He is so faithful, and I have especially felt His presence in my wilderness journeys. Thanks for sharing your story and for the encouraging words. 🙂
Recently I and my family are still in the wilderness but I believe that by using Jesus strategies.. we can overcome it.Thanks for your encouragement
I’m encouraged by your kind words! Thank you and God bless you! I’m praying your time in the wilderness is short and that you feel His presence.
Really felt this message here…made me understand that God testing us can sometimes break us but He still builds us back up the way He wants us to be as long as we trust in Him.
You are so right, it’s all about trusting Him enough to surrender fully, knowing His plans are perfect and He walks with us the entire journey! God bless you 🙂
I honestly thank my GOD for speaking to me through the Bible reading from our church today and you know “what” I missed church services today one in the morning and at midday but there was someone behind me telling me to go church, I wasn’t feeling comfortable the whole day and I have never felt the feeling I was going through, I was feeling that I was missing something, eventually someone unseen said to me in my heart go to church then , off !, I went, on my arrival at the church, I felt the comfort filled my spirit then in church the Bible was read and the only word that caught my attention was “ Wilderness “ I wrote it down, after church at home I recited the word, read it in the Bible, what it meant in the bible and what it did to People in the Bible, it’s so amazing! so great, and awesome!, Of recent I have been experiencing a lot uncertainties, then, after going through the meaning of “ Wilderness “ then I realised that maybe I am going through the same path meaning that I mustn’t let the devil overwhelm my spirit!!
How amazing that you responded to the still small voice of God and went to your church service! Amen! The devil is crafty- he will work on our weaknesses to keep us from God! Thank you for sharing your story and may God bless you as you journey through this wilderness time.
Thank you for this! Every single word is confirmation of what the Lord spoke to me just 5 days ago! He is doing a wonderful thing in my life even in the wilderness I praise and thank Him! God bless you for your obedience to share this word,it is most encouraging!
That is so awesome Nichole! What a blessing to have Him give you this confirmation. Our God is an awesome God! Thank you for sharing this- it is a great encouragement to me. 🙂
Hi AnnMarie. What an amazing look at the wilderness! A few years ago, God told me to move into the wilderness. I admit I didn’t want to go. But I followed God and I’m so much because of it! Thanks for an in-depth study on trusting God in our own wilderness journey. Blessings to you!
Hi Connie! Thanks for sharing your story-it’s always encouraging to hear how God works in our lives. He is so faithful when we follow His leading! God bless you- AnnMarie
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Kate. I’m so glad you liked it. And thanks for reading and the kind comment 🙂
I’d never thought about the enemy using our strengths not just our weaknesses to try to break us. Also interesting about the 40 years in the wilderness that should’ve taken the Israelites only two week???!! Can you refer me to a good map that shows that area and the route they took?
Hi Cindy! I couldn’t figure out how to attach the map, so I sent you a text with the map showing the shorter route- “The Way to the Land of the Philistines”; also called the Kings Highway which follows the Mediterranean Sea up to Gaza, where the Israelites could have entered the Promised Land quickly. The Red line shows you the route of the Exodus (much wiggling around!) It’s quite amazing!
Hi my name is Irene, am still in the wilderness and I know that the Lord is with me. Thank you for your encouragement, although it’s not pleasant but I know that He is faithful. He told me a lot of which I know that one day I will share.
God bless you, Irene! How beautiful that you feel His presence in your wilderness journey. I heard a quote the other day that reminds me of your comment: your test will someday be your testimony (or something like that). I know that it has been true in my life. Even things I thought I had “bargained” with God about not speaking of have been revealed; only by His grace, love, support, conviction, guidance and wisdom! He is so faithful!