God Bears Us Like a Father in the Wilderness

Reflection

In a society that often blurs the roles of a mother and father, this verse can be hard to relate to. I remember a documentary about a culture where sons spent part of their day with their mother and part with their father, learning life skills, hunting, and working with other men. As a mother, I could not help but imagine all the ways a child could get hurt or make a wrong choice. My heart would tighten thinking about the dangers, the mistakes, the missteps. But then I remembered, he was not alone. He was in great care with his father. Just as Israel was never alone in the wilderness, God was with them every step of the way.

God “bare thee, as a man doth bear his son.” Imagine a father walking alongside his child, patient and steady, guiding him carefully through unfamiliar terrain. He corrects gently when the child strays, shields him from danger, comforts him when he falls, and encourages him to keep going when the path is tiring or uncertain. This is exactly how God guided Israel. From the time they left Egypt, through the deserts where water was scarce, through battles and hunger, through complaints and fears, God was present. He provided manna to eat, water from the rock, pillars of cloud and fire to guide them by day and night, and leaders like Moses to shepherd them. Every step of the way, God’s care, patience, and protection were evident. He was preparing them for the Promised Land, teaching them trust, obedience, and reliance on Him.

We might think, that was extraordinary, a one-time situation, something only for them. Yet the same God is with us today. Life can feel like a wilderness at times, full of uncertainty, trials, and challenges. We may face difficult seasons at work, in our families, or in our own hearts. But just as God bore Israel, He bears us. He protects us from harm, even when we do not see it. He guides our decisions, comforts us when we fall, strengthens our faith when we are weak, and walks patiently with us until we step into the fullness of what He has promised.

We see this in Jesus, our Great Shepherd. John 10:28-29 reminds us that no one can snatch us from His hand. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 shows us that He comforts us in our troubles so we can comfort others. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 tells us that God instructs us like a father instructs his children. Just as He was faithful to Israel in the wilderness, He is faithful to us now. God’s care is personal, patient, and intentional. He lifts us when we fall, teaches us when we stray, and celebrates with us as we grow.

The wilderness of our lives is not empty. God is present, carrying us, guiding us, comforting us, and preparing us for the places He wants us to go. We can trust Him completely, knowing that His love and faithfulness never fail.