During my walk, vibrant yellow blossoms on the trail caught my attention. Smiling, I walked through the brush, bent low for a closer look, and my heart filled with a joyful peace.
I had left home overwhelmed, peopled out, and tired, tired, tired. But this ray of sunshine was a warm, soul-hugging gift from on High. I had asked God to show me what He wanted me to see. And toward the end of my walk, He answered my prayer. It wasn’t right in front of me. It was in the distance near the edge of the Arroyo, on a part of the trail I rarely use.
Not just one desert flower, but a bouquet of blissful delight, elevated my mood and securely put my head back in place. I had a great day; I can’t complain about that. I had just had too many people and not enough quiet, not enough beauty, and not enough peace.
Have you ever felt the need to get away from people? Or is that my introverted nature revealing itself? If we lean in and listen closely, there are times when our souls express themselves through our emotions. Our weariness needs soothing, and we need a moment, or three, to recover.
An Abundance of Flowers
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Isaiah 35:1-3 NLT
Finding pockets of gladness, a display of His glory in the wilderness season of life, gives strength to tired hands and serves to encourage those of us with weak knees. Our hands need to be strong to fulfill the purpose He has for us. And our knees need encouragement to faithfully bow in prayer for everyone everywhere. May there be an abundance of flowers, singing praise, and experiencing joy in your life this week. May He show you something that He wants you to see. And may your soul be bear-hugged by our good, good Father at the exact moment when you need it most.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ask God to show you what He wants you to see.