My Desert

I've been reading a book called "Alternative Worship" by Jonny Baker & Doug Gay which has been a huge boost to my devotional time of late. It is primarily a collection of liturgical and ritual ideas for alternative worship services surrounding Advent, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.

In the Lent section, some of the liturgy and ritual ideas were around a desert theme. They talked about how after Jesus was baptized, he went into the desert before his testing by Satan. The assertion was that Jesus went into the desert to find his identity.

It gave me cause to consider where my "desert" is. Where do I go to find space to hear the "still, small voice" and allow God to reveal who He is and who I am in Him?

This morning I had opportunity to get out on the bike before work. I've been riding for years and hope to log over 2500 miles this year. I had hardly started when I realized that I was in my desert. It's from the saddle of my bike that I am strengthened in body, mind and spirit. It is there that I find space from the distractions of work and home and can clear my mind. It is there that my theology and philosophy is sharpened, reworked and redefined. It is there that my thirst for communion with God is quenched as I drink deeply of His creation and my soul is fed through the bread of His presence.

Since I'm usually out for at least 90 minutes each time, there is more opportunity to pray, listen, respond, worship. My best worship planning has happened on the bike. Many of my most insightful observations about ministry have happened with two wheels beneath me. It is there that He speaks most clearly to me. God has spoken through the veil of haze on an early summer ride to captivate me by the idea that he is "veiled in majesty." He has shown spoken about my ability to withstand temptation as I've sprinted to escape dogs on my route. He has shown me my need for effort and rest and for assessing my hills and headwinds in ministry so that I don't burn out before I've reached the goal.

Today I felt like myself again. It was the first time I'd been on the bike in almost two months and the first morning ride I'd had since October. I had realized that I was itching to ride, but today it was clear that the itch was for God and the place he was waiting meant fighting a 15 mph headwind for part of the way and climbing hills that seared my unconditioned legs. I know that the hills won't hurt so bad when my strength and conditioning come back over the coming weeks. I also know that God will increase the strength of my mind and spirit as I enter the desert.