Embrace the Wilderness: Finding God in Solitude This Lent
Lent is a season that mirrors Jesus' journey into the wilderness — a time of fasting, reflection, and solitude. While the wilderness may seem like a place of emptiness, it is often in those quiet, still moments that God reveals Himself most clearly.
In Luke 4:1-2, we read:
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. He ate nothing during those days and was hungry at the end of them."
The wilderness was not just a place of struggle — it was a place of spiritual strengthening. There, Jesus resisted temptation, embraced His dependence on God, and prepared for His ministry.
Why Solitude Matters
In today's fast-paced world, solitude can feel uncomfortable. We are constantly surrounded by noise — emails, social media, endless to-do lists. Yet Lent calls us to step away from the busyness and embrace the quiet.
Solitude isn't about isolation but creating sacred space to listen to God's voice. In the stillness, we can:
Reflect on our spiritual journey.
Confront the thoughts and feelings we've been avoiding.
Hear God's guidance more clearly.
In the wilderness, distractions fade, and God's presence becomes undeniable.
Embracing the Wilderness with Purpose
Just as Jesus faced challenges in the wilderness, we may also encounter moments of discomfort, doubt, or spiritual dryness. But those moments are invitations—opportunities to deepen our faith.
This Lent, embrace the wilderness by:
Setting aside intentional time for silence and reflection—even 10 minutes of stillness—can create space for God to speak.
Pausing before reacting. When stress or frustration arises, pause, breathe, and invite God's peace to guide you.
Reflecting on Scripture. Jesus leaned on God's Word in the wilderness — may we do the same.
Proving God Can Believe in You
Embracing solitude shows God that we trust Him to meet us in the quiet. Each time we resist the urge to fill the silence with distractions and instead choose stillness, we are proving to God that we are committed to hearing His voice.
This Lent, let your moments of solitude become a testimony — a reminder that when you gave your life to God, you did so with a heart willing to trust Him, even in the stillness.
Reflection Questions:
What distractions do I need to remove to hear God more clearly?
How can I create moments of intentional solitude this week?
What fears or doubts arise when I'm alone with my thoughts, and how can I invite God into those moments?
How can my willingness to embrace solitude demonstrate my trust in God?
As you embrace this Lent's wilderness, may you find strength in the stillness, peace in the quiet, and God's voice in the silence. Each moment spent with Him is a step closer to the person He has called you to be.
In Service,
Rev. Walker
