Last week’s election shocked almost everyone. Some were elated at the result. Others were devastated. For all of us, our situation is rather much like that of the people of Israel when they were heading into the wilderness—we are journeying into uncertain territory.

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So we can gain perspective from the stories of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites—and the lessons they teach us for today. As the Israelites engaged in an oft-times anxious quest after water and food in the desert, they had a series of powerful experiences, which bring us lasting truths for life:

Look to God for guidance. Our guide must be God—for the values we choose and the way that we live. Moses did not lead the people through the wilderness; it was God who led them! So we look past every political leader to gain our ultimate direction from the Lord.
Know that God can transform the “bitter places” in life The Israelites had a devastating experience when in their thirst they came upon some water which turned out to be “bitter.” When God made the water “sweet,” it was a sign of how God can work with transformation in life. Wherever we encounter “bitter waters,” we can look for the renewing touch of God’s Spirit.
Trust in God to provide. The people in the wilderness were often fearful that they would soon perish. But God was at work! In fact, God was powerfully at work even when the people could not yet perceive it. So we can trust that God is at work today and that God will provide what we need.
Join in community together. In the stress of the wilderness experience, the people of Israel often fell into quarreling with one another; but God called them into a spiritual community. So we are called to move past divisions to work together for the good of all. We seek to be a model of this kind of fellowship in the church—where we welcome all, we value all persons, and we join in a spiritual unity that transcends varying political opinions.

At one point in the wilderness, the people in despair said, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” (Exodus 17:7) The clear answer was, and is: God is with us! So we can live in faith, in love, and in genuine hope.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Exodus 15:22–25, 27
Exodus 17:1–7

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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.