Facing the Wilderness
Today, we are about at the halfway point of our journey through the season of Lent. Like all journeys, this journey is headed somewhere. We are heading towards the celebration of Easter, the celebration of new life emerging out of the old, the celebration that what was dead and gone is now giving way to life, to light, to vitality, and growth.
It’s interesting. Often in this season, we read the the passage when Jesus is led into the wilderness where he spends forty days. Before we get anywhere near Easter – before his ministry even begins – for some reason, Jesus has to make this trek.
The Gospel of Mark tells us that the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness. He is tempted by Satan, he was with the wild beasts, and the angels waited on him.
I don’t quite understand why it is. But these are aspects of life, aren’t they?
From time to time, we all face trials and temptations. And we all face moments we feel like we are in the wilderness – moments we feel as though we are battling the wild beasts.
When I’ve found myself in that wilderness space, moments when I was just beyond my ability to cope, when I felt like I had nowhere left to turn but to fall on my knees in prayer, I’ve often meditated on the phrase: Let go. And let God… Hand it over… And though it sounds cliche, and though it’s certainly easier to say than to do, there is something to it. Let go… surrender… Even if we have to do it again and again….
If we are thinking about Lent as a journey that takes us through the wilderness, that perhaps prepares us for the wilderness, then it must be that a key piece of it, is learning to let go… to surrender… Today, I pray that you and I would continue to learn the art of letting go. And in that surrender, may a deeper faith and trust arise.
Let us pray: Holy God, I pray today, especially for those who find themselves in the wilderness of life. Grant them courage, equanimity, and strength for the journey. Help each of us to learn to let go of all that is beyond our control, and to trust in you. In that trust, may we find your peace. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
