Then we turned

and journeyed into

          the wilderness...

          Deuteronomy 2. 1

(Well, we are all now

definitely in foreign territory.

God leads us into the unfamiliar,

the unlikely,

the unexpected places,

        people, situations

to reveal Himself

           in deeper dimensions.

God does not transform

      the all-consuming bleakness,

but He helps us to see

  His uncountable wonders

            that are already here.

Even now.

Even in this.

Sometimes we don't

          grasp His purposes

or even realize the outcome,

but know yet

         God is working

in steadfast love

         for greater goodness.

"The LORD is in this place,

  and I did not know it."

           Genesis 28. 16)

O LORD,

You know our going through

      these crazy times,

this unexpected wilderness.

Help us to not seek ways through,

    but to seek You

not just on a daily basis,

            but moment by moment,

            thought by thought,

            prayer by prayer.

Help us not to be distracted

   from realizing Your Presence

and pointing others to You.

Please help us to be strong,

be courageous,

and brimming over

       with kindness and grace

   which are on short supply.

Our strength

           is in You.

What can we do?

Abide in You.