And David remained

    in the strongholds

    in the wilderness...

            1 Samuel 23. 14

(The wilderness is

neither random nor barren,

but a place of refuge,

strengthening,

and great growth

   in knowing the LORD.

What is unknown to us

   is not unknown to Him.

Not a time of fear,

nor a place filled

   with ferocious beasts

         but full of wonders.

God protects and provides

  in the most unlikely places,

and He strategically positions us

         for His glory.

The wilderness is not a dead-end,

nor the end of the story,

    but an adventure

    that deepens our hearts

    and enlarges our

         realization of God.

"I am in this with you.

           Walk with Me.")

O LORD,

Help us to be aware

of the adventure

            in this very day,

even among the ordinary

and familiar

and routine.

Help us to not just

    see something more in this,

but to see You,

not just catch a glimpse

                 of Your hand,

but to realize Your Presence

     and to know You more.

You have a strong hold on us

    and never let us go.