The Gift of the WildernessSample

Verse 1(a): A Personal Relationship with God

Nothing obliterates the bleakness of the wilderness like the unparalleled beauty of God’s presence. David wastes no words and no time delving into intimacy with God as he begins verse one with, “God you are my God.” (emphasis mine).

Although a simple statement, it is really extraordinary. David doesn’t say, “God you are a God,” or “God you are the God.” The word “my” symbolizes the deep affection David feels for the Lord. Here we can take heart and know that communion with God in times of trouble is the first step to deliverance.

The crown, his palace, the hearts of his people, the love of his son have all been stripped away. But nothing else matters to David than being alone with his Heavenly Father. All that has been lost is nothing compared to what is gained in the presence of a personal God.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after being in God’s presence, his face was so radiant from the glory of God, that the people begged him to cover his face with a veil. Why couldn’t the people look upon Moses’s face? Because being alone with God transforms us; His presence changes us inside and out. 

Oh! That we would exude the bright light of the divine on our faces after the weight of His glory fell on us!

Growing up, I thought that God was far away, unreachable, and untouchable. I thought that only a select few had access to him. I didn’t know about the kind of relationship that David had with God. Like the Israelites in the valley, I could only watch as Moses had the privilege to go up to the mountain and be in the presence of God.

But God is the God of the mountain and the valley. I have learned that He is anywhere I seek him. And as I seek Him, I find Him. And, like Moses, I am transformed by spending time with Him. 

If you are in the dry place today, come into His presence. Change your wilderness experience into a worship experience. When the Perfect Being hears from the one that He created, He will not deny or divide His love for you. 

God is incapable of partial or imperfect love. He chooses to give Himself to you with absolute completeness as if there was no one else but you.

Cry out to him today, “God you are my God!”