_{Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:4 – 9} 

_{But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock. Psalm 81:16}

_{Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43: 19}

In seasons that look so desolate not even a cactus would survive, the promise is that our father will help us. He will satisfy our drooping spirits and fill our needs. Sometimes I wonder if the desert I’m in will ever end, if I’ll ever see a season of plenty again. Yet, the Holy Spirit led me to these verses that demonstrate his goodness even in hard seasons. The Bible doesn’t say that God will only provide all that we need when we are at a new luscious season in life. It says that he will rescue and satisfy us with good things, with wild honey from the Rock, even in desert seasons.

Honey is used both for eating and even in healing. It is sweet and so many like the taste, but it is also good for anti – inflammatory, skin conditions, wound healing, hay fever and even fertility. Jesus is the foundation of our faith (1 Peter 2:4). This means that even in the prickly, painful and long seasons of desolate desert Jesus is the only one who can provide sweetness, healing and provision. He not only makes a way through but provides rivers of refreshment in these difficult times (Isaiah 41:18).

But what does that look like practically for you? For me, it has meant being present with Jesus and noticing little glimpses of sweetness. Feeling the wind in my hair and seeing flowers growing. Being thankful that I do have a gopher to get around the town in and being shown kindness by family, friends and sometimes strangers. Listening to new worship music that just takes my eyes off of myself and back onto Jesus. Now, these may not seem like good examples of a gushing river of wild honey, healing and provision. Yet, for my heart they all add up. I can have joy because I have everything I need in Jesus who is the Rock, so even in hardship there is joy mingled with pain. I can keep walking through the desert because I know he leads and provides for me. He whispers and sings to me words that bring life, he teaches and opens my heart to learn truth too deep to express with words. All I can say is that his sweetness brings sticky glorious revelation of who he truly is; a brother, saviour, healer, King. Honey.

My Child…

^{Note: this part is written from the perspective of what God, our father might say to his child/children. It is not the Bible.}

I know you’ve wandered in a dry season where it can be hard to see any fruit or purpose. But I have gone before you into these hard seasons and have provided provisions as well as a way through. Just as I did when Israel wandered in the desert. I sustained them with my glorious presence from which flowed heaven’s bread and meat to fill them (Exodus 16:4-5). For you I will provide just as miraculously. 

It may seem strange to think you can get honey out of a rock. But not to me for I am the Rock. Turn to me today and all your needs will be met, in me!

Lift up your eyes and see my river of grace, love and healing flowing to you. Taste the honey of my sweet presence with you, even in these times. Know there is a reason for all seasons in life and nothing is ever wasted. You don’t have to understand all of the reasons why. But know that I am with you and I am always good. I never change. So, rest in me as I am the only sure thing in this world.

My child, I do love you. I do truly see and know you. Just as Hagar named me El Roi – the God who saw her, I too see you and know you (Genesis 16:13).

Come to me and rest, as I extend my glorious honey to you.

Love, your father, God.

Bible Verses…

1 Peter 2:4 ^{_{You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.}}

Isaiah 41:18 _{^{I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.}}

Exodus 16:4 – 5 ^{_{Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual.”}}

Genesis 16:13  _{^{Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”}}

Work Cover Tip for the Injured Person…

It is important to hone up on your administration skills! Keep your diary up to date, keep all correspondence, keep all receipts, scans etc. But if you’re like me and not gifted in administration, then I would suggest asking family or a friend who is gifted in this area for help.

Work Cover Tip for Family, Friends and Colleagues…

Encourage your loved one or friend towards independence. Encourage them to do as much as they can for themselves. However, do so with compassion. Learn the signs of frustration and be willing to step in if needed.