Psalm 111:1-5

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” vs. 2

Desert places have long held fascination for those who are drawn to meditation. The reason for the attraction can be debated but it could have something to do with the mostly barren landscapes. Lush jungle-like environs don’t seem to have the same appeal. Perhaps the absence of distraction in the desert allows a more careful focus on the interior life. Free from external stimuli we can be mindful of our spiritual appetites and tend to the feeding of our souls. But still, reminders of the physical environment are all around us in our desert retreats. We see clearly how plants and animals have adapted to the scarcity of water and marvel at the beauty of those adaptive forms. Even the most desolate places are teeming with examples of life’s tenacity and beauty. The psalmist was familiar with such geography; wilderness was always close at hand and in its presence he marveled at the greatness of creation, identifying the special joy that comes to those who study its intricacies. Those meditative moments, under the vast expanse of the wilderness sky, bring special awareness of God’s universal majesty. The only fitting response is that of the psalmist, an unrestrained song of praise and thanksgiving!

Thought for the Day: What thoughts come with desert meditation?