In the Wilderness

It happened this weekend.  My husband and I became empty nesters as we took our youngest son to college.  I promised my son I would not be that helicopter mom that hovers over him and sends multiple text messages (or phone calls) a day.  But it hasn’t been easy.  I find myself thinking of his football schedule and wondering how he is doing.  Breakfast is at 7:30 am...I hope he is awake and on his way.  Meeting starts at 3:00 pm...did he find the room?  I can’t seem to shut my brain off. I know he is an adult and this is his time to grow.  But...what if he needs something?  Will he call me?  Will he text?  When will I hear from him?  I am making myself crazy thinking about it.

Searching scripture, I found Deuteronomy 2:7; The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness.  These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.  Deuteronomy 2:7 (NIV)

I feel like I am in a wilderness.  Not only did I drop my youngest off at school, but I had one son moved to Arizona and the other 2 sons are on vacation.  I have children everywhere but here.  I feel lost and uncertain in this new wilderness that is called empty nesting.  As I meditate on Deuteronomy, I see that God watched over the Israelites for 40 years as they were in the desert.  God is watching over me in this new season of my life.  I also know that He is watching over my boys no matter where they are.  He knows that one is looking for a job, while another is trying to figure out this new college life.  He knows that one is traveling to see relatives he hasn’t seen in years, while the other is traveling to another country on an adventure.  God knows.  He sees. 

Not only does He know and see everything going on, but He will provide for our every need.  Deuteronomy says that the Israelites lacked for nothing.  God provided for all their needs.  This gives me the reassurance that He will provide for all the needs I have.  He will provide for the needs of each of my boys.  His provision will be better than I can even imagine.  You see, God had a promise land in mind for the Israelites. And He has one for me.  He has a promise land for each of my boys.   We won’t always be in the wilderness.  He will bring us through.   

I don’t know what wilderness you find yourself in right now.  Maybe you are in a medical wilderness.  Or a financial wilderness.  Or an emotional wilderness.  Remember that God was with the Israelites in their wilderness and He is with you.  Give this season over to Him, trusting that He is with you and will provide for your every need.  Walk with Him and He will lead you to the land He has promised you. 

Dear Lord, thank you for walking with us in the wilderness.  We trust that you will always be with us and will provide for our every need.  As we walk, may we see your goodness and love holding us each day. May we trust that you will bring us out of the wilderness to the promise land you have called us to.  Amen