Embrace the Wilderness: Finding God in Solitude This Lent
Lent is often seen as a season of sacrifice. Still, at its core, it is an invitation—an opportunity to step away from the world's noise and embrace the wilderness where God speaks in whispers. In Scripture, the wilderness is a place of hardship and a sacred space of transformation. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days (Luke 4:1-2), where He fasted, prayed, and wrestled with temptation. In the solitude of the wilderness, His strength was refined, His purpose affirmed, and His heart aligned with God's will.
Many of us avoid solitude because it feels uncomfortable. We fill our days with distractions—scrolling through social media, checking emails, and running from one task to another—because silence can be unsettling. But what if, like Jesus, we embraced the wilderness? What if, instead of fearing solitude, we saw it as an opportunity to draw nearer to God?
Lent calls us to step away from the busyness of life and into a sacred pause. Whether through fasting, prayer, or reflection, this season challenges us to let go of the things that clutter our hearts and minds so we can hear God more clearly. The wilderness may not be easy, but it is holy ground. In this place, we are stripped of distractions and invited into deeper communion with our Creator.
This Lent, as you journey through your own wilderness, trust that God is there. In the stillness, questions, and quiet moments of prayer, God is shaping, strengthening, and drawing you closer.
Reflection Questions:
What distractions keep you from experiencing solitude with God?
How can you create intentional moments of quiet reflection during this Lenten season?
When have you experienced God's presence most clearly in your life?
What is one thing you can let go of to make more space for God in your heart?
How can you embrace the challenges of the "wilderness" as opportunities for spiritual growth?
May this season of Lent be a time of renewal, reflection, and deepening faith. Step into the wilderness with confidence—God is waiting for you there.
In Service,
Rev. Walker
