O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water… your steadfast love is better than life. (Psalm 63:1, 3)

This weekend, we will explore two passages from the Hebrew Bible as we approach the third Sunday in Lent. They are both relatively well-known. More than that, however, they are both extremely comforting.

We have come to the place in our journey where we are tired, restless, and weary from the work. After last weekend’s awe-inspiring moment of Jesus standing in the face of certain death and worldly power, we’re probably all wondering that age-old road trip question – are we THERE yet?

With the popularity of the Advent season and its blessed four weeks, we arrive in Lent expecting a similar trek. Except that Lent is seven weeks – and we are only on week three.

But here, on the wilderness road, we find a moment’s respite as we hear both the Psalmist and Isaiah offer beautiful and sumptuous words of consolation. Come. Come and find the rest you need. Come and find the resources the remainder of this voyage will require. Come home.

Though we are worn out from all that is upon us and around us, we know this truth is clear: God’s steadfast love is better than anything. Everything. Even life itself.

Since our God is Life itself, that should tell us that even God knows there is something better than simply being alive. Love is better. Love is stronger. Love gives us the sustenance we need to supply our weary hearts, minds, and limbs.

In whatever condition you find yourself this week, come to worship. Seek the Lord in the land of the living and you will see God’s wonders. Even if you do not know that for which you are searching – come home. God is ever present. And God will give us a way forward, even in the wilderness.

Blessings,     Janie