Atmosphere: Waiting (Vol. 1) | An Instrumental DevotionalSample

Day 4: VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. –Psalm 107:1–6 (NIV)

The wilderness: That place where we find ourselves, like the Israelites, wandering between the promise and the promised land. The season we often say is a “necessary evil” while we wait for the good. But what if the wilderness of waiting offers more than something to survive? What if there is purpose in it beyond just enduring?

Wilderness seasons are often compared to seeds being planted in dirt. The seed is buried and then has to wait in the darkness until it can bloom. The focus on this analogy is often on the seed remaining unseen or its roots pushing deeper into the dirt before it can sprout. We don’t like the dirt. It’s dark and uncomfortable. We want the finished product, so we focus on the flower to come.

But consider the dirt. The dirt is not a passive participant in this story. Nor is it the villain. The seed doesn’t just survive the dirt, it’s actually nourished and protected by it.  The bloom doesn’t happen despite the dirt and the darkness. It happens because of them.  

Today’s song, “Voice in the Wilderness,” takes us on that journey of gratitude intermingled with struggle, leaving us realizing we need the soil but begging for the moment we break out of it into the sunlight.  

We see that journey reflected throughout Psalm 107. There are many different troubles presented: wastelands (like the wilderness), darkness (like the soil), sin, and storms. No matter the conflict, the people’s response is the same: they cry out to God. And no matter the conflict, His response is the same: He rescues them from their trouble. “Give thanks,” the Psalmist says. Why? Because His love endures forever. His faithfulness is certain.  

If you find yourself in a place today that seems dark, messy, or lost, grab hold of courage. It doesn’t matter how you ended up in this wilderness. He will answer. His Word says even when we are not faithful, He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).  

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?
God, I need You. Only You can turn this dirt into a banquet. Only You can make this wilderness a refuge. Only You can take this trial and use it for my good. My heart aches and praises in this season; thank You for understanding that conflict. I’m crying out to You. Turn this cry for help into a testimony of praise.

Music: Patrick Smith

Devotional: Anna Byrd