This Wilderness of Mine

 I've spent some time this week thinking about the wilderness.  Lehi and his family had traveled for eight years in the wilderness at this point in my reading.  Nephi writes, "And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness;".  I'm sure it was miserable!  And adding to it, their wives bore children during those eight years. Nephi's very next statement is so touching to me - "And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us..."  He was so grateful that they'd had enough food along the way that their wives were able to nurse the babies, and that they remained strong and did not murmur.

And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness. (1Nephi 17:3)

While Lehi and his family faced a literal wilderness on their journey to the promised land, I believe that each one of us has our own figurative wilderness that we must wade through on our journey back to our Father in Heaven.  Whether this journey is through trials of poor health, poor finances, death of a loved one or something else, it is our personal wilderness. Sometimes, we feel completely alone and utterly helpless.  It can be a very dark and barren place if we let it.

©Darrell Wyatt

I know that when I have felt the most down, the most tired, the most alone, I have sometimes forgotten that I am never, ever truly alone.  I forget that there is One who loves me above all, who wants the best for me, and who can look past my many faults.  

I have a quote on the wall of my entry way:  "This time, like all times, is a very good one if you know what to do with it."  Every time I look at this wall, it helps me to remember the lessons I've learned from my struggles.  When I've struggled the most financially, I have learned to be frugal.  I learned to make meals that I wouldn't have tried had we not struggled.  When I've struggled with depression, I learned that I have a husband and children who love me and will help me through.  When I've struggled with having a special needs child, I've learned patience and tolerance and love.

My wilderness is unique to me.  Only I can figure out what tools I need to make it through this journey.  But I am not alone. I need to lean on my Heavenly Father for help.  I need to be worthy to receive that help by keeping the commandments and following His plan for me.  I need to never be "slow to remember" the Lord.  I will make it!  I will forge my path through this wilderness of mine and I will make it to the promised land - back home with my Father and Heaven and my eternal family.

And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.
(1 Nephi 17:13)