Lessons from Death Valley

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. . .  Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. . . Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

Psalms 107:4,8-9,43

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

I was not having a good morning. Nothing huge, mind you, but enough that it left me feeling frustrated and a little angry. For me, these kinds of thoughts often lead me to a “woe is me” kind of place.

As I prepared for my morning indoor bike training ride, I scanned through the different virtual route options I had available. I settled upon the perfect virtual ride to fit my goals - and my current mood. A long ride through Death Valley.

The scenery was stunningly vast.

Not a sign of life anywhere.

Just like my ruminating thoughts, I pedaled farther and farther into the wasteland. The road below me slowly changed from concrete to gravel. Then from gravel to hard packed dirt.

My circling thoughts continued to pedal through all the ways my life has been a desert wasteland of sorts too. Roads which seemed easy at first, slipped into more and more challenging paths. As I sipped on my water, the memories of my wilderness journeys came rushing back. The dryness of life's struggles seemed to seep deep into my bones, and my thirsty soul was desperate for relief.

But then God softly whispered to me.

“Through your wastelands I have been here. I have always been here, right beside you, reminding you that ONLY I can satisfy your thirsty soul.”

I felt Him prompting me to turn my ruminating thoughts to thankfulness.

“Even in the desert wastelands of my life, where have I seen His unfailing love?"

"How has He tenderly provided for me when I had lost hope?"

"Where have I witnessed His wonders?”

As my virtual ride was coming to an end, the sun crested over the face of the mountains, bathing the rugged peaks in golden light.

I watched as the warm rays spilled across the valley floor, the shifting shadows dancing along the hard-packed earth.

The air seemed to carry a gentle hush, and for a moment, I could almost feel the sun’s warmth on my skin and taste the newness of the morning. In that quiet moment, as the sunlight touched the landscape, I felt a deep peace settle over me—a reminder of God’s unfailing love and all His wonderful deeds in my life. I no longer saw just Death Valley; instead, I found myself with a front row seat to God's beauty and faithfulness that had carried me through every wilderness.

Prayer –Lord, help me not to forget how You have led me through the wastelands of life. Turn my heart toward gratitude, reminding me to reflect on all the wonderful and loving things You have done for me. During my seasons of wandering—when I felt lost, uncertain, and searching for purpose—Your presence became my comfort and my guide. Thank You for teaching me, time and again, that I need You every day, and that only You can truly satisfy my soul. May I always remember Your faithfulness and depend on Your unfailing love.