A strange place of abundance

Isaiah 35:2 AMPC

It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellency of [Mount] Carmel and [the plain] of Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty and splendour and excellency of our God.

God's promise to the desert is total transformation. Not just a few blooms here and there, but an abundance.

The train journey from Tel Aviv to the Negev city of Beersheba is living proof that God is faithful to His Word.

The desert has blossomed, with it being planted with all kinds of crops and trees.

Israel developed an irrigation drip technique using thin hoses with tiny holes that supply just the right amount of water to crops at night.

These crops are much sweeter than others grown in normal conditions.

See this link: https://www.touristisrael.com/israels-desert-agriculture/10334/#:~:text=As%20well%20as%20cherry%20tomatoes,response%20to%20the%20desert%20conditions.

So, in my desert times, the Holy Spirit "drip feeds" the Living Water into the dark night of the soul, so nothing is wasted or evaporates.

The result is an abundance of the sweet fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

As in Israel's desert, that sweetness is grown out of the special qualities of my desert soil.

I may long for the lushness of times when all is plain sailing, but God wants to produce a unique and rare fruit in my life.

The most beautiful music has been composed in the midst of sorrow, depression and hardship.

Think of Beethoven, having become profoundly deaf, writing his 9th symphony, containing an "ode to joy"!

It's written in the key of D minor - but it is music of joy!

He was deaf, yes, but he taught himself to "hear" with his body!

If, in his silent "desert", he rejoiced and truly saw the glory of the Lord [enough to inspire such music], so can I.

I may not be surrounded by a vibrant fellowship. I may pray and sing alone, but I can rejoice and see the glory of the Lord.

Like Beethoven's timeless Ode to Joy:

"Gladly, like the heavenly bodies

Which He set on their courses

Through the splendour of the firmament;

Thus, brothers, you should run your race,

As a hero going to conquest.

You millions, I embrace you.

This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy

There must dwell a loving Father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?

World, do you know your creator?

Seek him in the heavens;

Above the stars must He dwell."