Daily Devotionals
2021
Wednesday, December 15
Julie Halvorsen
Psalm 63 finds David hiding from his enemies in the wilderness. When was the last time you found yourself in a “wilderness” like David? This fallen world guarantees that we will all visit that desolate land of pain and suffering.
Recently I visited my own appointed wilderness. For some time, I sensed that God wanted me to have a difficult conversation with a friend. Prayerfully, I prepared my words and then shared my heart. The result…a total disaster! My friend was angry and went into attack mode. It was a mess! In my confusion and grief, my heart was very heavy. I feared that I had misunderstood and failed God.
During David’s wilderness experience, he declared his relationship with God and his need for Him. David’s strength was renewed as he remembered the Lord’s great faithfulness to him in the past. During my time of despair, I was forced to examine my heart, acknowledge my sin and repent of my pride. Focusing on the character of God and His promises, I was reminded that my God is sovereign over all, including my mess. In his lovingkindness he upheld me and restored peace, for His name’s sake.
The wilderness is not a pleasant destination but if we keep our eyes fixed on what is unseen, He will reveal beautiful hidden things that can only be found in that barren land. In our weakness He is strong! Seek Him in your suffering, and you will be given a taste of the glory of God!
During this season of Advent, we await the return of our Savior King who will come to make all things new and whole again. As we prepare our hearts and eagerly look forward to that day, oh come let us adore Him with the passion of David in the wilderness!
Julie lives in Easton with her husband Mark and their two teenage kids, Peter and Maggie. She has been attending Park Street Church since 2017. Julie loves being involved with CBS, a women’s Bible study group where she is the children’s “craft lady” and loves using art to help little ones retell the stories they’ve learned from God’s word. Last summer she spent a week deep in the Alaskan wilderness.