In our approach to the Holy Week of Easter the Christian Church globally have recognised a season of fasting and intentional spiritual development which we call Lent. Psalm 91 forms part of the lectionary readings for this time which contains within it the line used in the mocking temptation of Jesus in the desert – ‘

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ Matthew 4:6

The period of Lent spans the time of fasting Jesus undertook in the wilderness which itself echoes the 40 years the people of Israel travelled the dessert wilderness and it replicates Elijah’s fast of 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Horeb. 

Through the desert the people of God worked out who they were, forged their identity which is remembered in the gathering of Jewish people down the ages. They confronted their fears, got it wrong, and learned to be reliant on God. This is a key part of the ‘origin story’ of the people of God. The period in our respective wildernesses offer opportunities to minister to our inner selves, to work through who we think we are, and to hear from God. 

There are mystical experiences available during period of dedicated spiritual discipline that cause a change in the tone of ministry and identity in people who undertake their own wilderness journeys. Jesus’ own ministry really steps up immediately following his wilderness period. 

We don’t have to travel to the desert. There is a journey within that is sufficient for a lifetime of discovery.