out of the ordinary | the landcape

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, we're thinking about deserts. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary. Amen.

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63: 1-5, NLT

 A friend bought me a poinsettia for Christmas and I did everything I could to keep it alive but within a couple of weeks it had died. Not from neglect, but from cold. The plant arrived slightly ahead of a really cold snap when both the daytime and overnight temperatures dropped into minus and stayed there for a prolonged period. My poinsettia hated it, which is understandable since it’s natural home is the mainly hot and humid Mexico. It needs different conditions to flourish. It didn't get them, so curled into itself, shivering.

When David writes Psalm 63 he is in the wilderness, in the desert of Judah, a dry, barren place my poinsettia would probably have loved! But it's a place David really doesn’t want to be. He is a long way from comfort, from his family, and particularly from his son Absalom who has threatened to kill him. The conditions are not ones in which David would be expected to flourish, and yet he pours out his love and worship to the Father.

Unlike my picky plant we have to learn, I think, to blossom where we’re planted. The conditions may not be perfect, we may long for things to be different, but we can rejoice in the God who upholds us by his mighty right hand, whatever the current climate. And we can worship.

Let's pray
Lord, help me to hold tight to my memories of those times when I’ve sensed your presence, felt your power, and glimpsed your glory. When I've known you are working to bring all things together for my good. Bring me so close today that whatever the day brings I will know you as the shadow of my right hand, my great friend, my great Saviour. I will praise you through my life today, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.