When we are in the desert, what is it we think about? The desert. We think about our depression, anxiety, and fears. We focus on our trials, struggles, and challenges. We think about the desolation and wilderness we see around us because it is all we can see.
When Hagar found herself in a desert for the second time, in a barren landscape with no water, her focus was on her life-threatening plight and the seemingly hopeless situation for herself and her son.
But God changed Hagar's focus. The Bible says that He "opened her eyes" and showed her a well just off in the distance filled with life-saving water.
This is what worship does for us in the desert. It opens our eyes to something greater than the desolation before us. It
- reminds us of who God is and that He is near. It takes our focus off ourselves so we can drink from the well of living water.
Of course, worshiping in the desert is not our natural inclination. It requires effort to shift our focus. But when we do, we provide space for God to move. We allow our imaginations to explore the possibility that things could get better. We start to believe we are not doomed to die in the desert.
The desert is anything but desolate. It is the place where God often chooses to meet with us, speak to us, and begin something new in us. Even if you don't know why you are in the desert — even if you are not seeing any growth or don't sense that you are hearing God's voice — worship still serves as a reminder that something is happening beneath the surface. God is at work in your desert. Worship might be just what your heart needs to stay attuned to His voice.
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