Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   Matthew 28:20

WHEN I was a boy we used to sing a chorus in church that included the lines, “My Lord knows the way through the wilderness; all I have to do is follow.”* The Lord led the Israelites through the wilderness between Egypt and the Promised Land. A pillar of cloud led them by day, and a pillar of fire led them at night. The Lord provided food for them, sending them manna from heaven.  Still today God’s people walk through wildernesses of many descriptions. Our wilderness might be a rough country of trial or disappointment, or a wasteland of sorrow and suffering. But regardless of the situation, we are not alone. Jesus has promised always to be with us, and he will see us through our hard journey. As God provided for the needs of the Hebrews coming out of Egypt, so God will give us what we need for our journey. God comforts. God provides. All we have to do is follow.

O Lord, thank you for being with us on any road we must travel. When we come to a wilderness, guide us. We trust you to keep us strong until the journey is through. In Jesus’ name. Amen.