Lessons from the Wilderness
Have you ever felt like you couldn't take a break? In a culture that worships the grind, we are often tempted to measure our self-worth by our momentum and daily output. When we are constantly "on," the thought of pausing, of truly quieting the noise and stepping into the unknown, can feel incredibly unnerving.
But scripture offers a different narrative. Throughout the Bible, when God wants to do a deep work in a soul, He doesn’t invite them to a crowded room or a busy conference. He calls them into the wilderness.
As I write this, I am preparing to step away from my ordinary life to spend time off the grid in Tanzania. It’s a move that feels both exciting and daunting, but it’s a necessary step. It’s a reminder that rest isn’t just a reward for finishing our work—it is the baseline required to do our work well.
I talk about this in my latest video. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/a4TL5OUWl2A
The Three Fears of Stepping Away
As I prepare for this time away, I’ve found that my anxieties about leaving my daily routine usually boil down to three distinct categories. If you are struggling with the pressure of daily life or the fear of stepping away, you might recognize these:
Trusting the Next Generation: As a parent, it’s hard to step away from the daily management of our children’s lives. But the wilderness forces me to trust that the faith and character I’ve poured into them is real, and that God is present in our home even when I am not there to manage every detail.
Surrendering Control: Many of us struggle with the demands of our work. Stepping away forces me to confront a vital spiritual truth: I am not the one keeping the world spinning. Surrendering the "gears" of my business to God is an act of faith.
The Dread of Re-Entry: We often fear the "mountain of work" that waits for us upon our return. But believing I have to stay busy to keep the mountain from growing is a scarcity mindset. Trusting God means believing He will provide the grace, focus, and strategy to tackle the work when I return.
The Gift of Stillness
When we push past the nervousness of leaving our responsibilities, the wilderness offers its greatest treasure: deep, unfiltered connection. Whether it is looking at my spouse without the distraction of a glowing screen or hearing the whisper of the Holy Spirit without a notification interrupting the silence, I know that God pulls us into the quiet to restore us. He fills our cups in the wilderness so that we have something of substance to pour out when we return.
A Challenge for You
Where is God calling you to step away this week? It might not be a flight to Africa, but perhaps it’s a morning walk without your phone or an intentional evening of deep connection with your spouse.
Don’t let the fear of the mountain ahead stop you from taking the rest you need today. Step into the quiet, and let God meet you there.