By Cheryl Saur of Saint Charles, Missouri, USA

…So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord…”

Have you ever been lost in the wilderness? Maybe a wilderness in nature or maybe a wilderness of many conflicting perspectives? Or have you ever been focused on the path in front of you, the steps you are taking, and then suddenly find the trail ends? You look up and nothing is familiar any longer.

When I was a pre-teen, my family would go “tent” camping in the mountains. All four of us kids loved to go exploring with our dad, following trails, climbing rocks, playing in brooks, and observing the creativity of Mother Nature. I loved the vibrant colors of the rocks, moss, trees, and sky. Dad taught us how to follow the trail back to the camp site so we wouldn’t lose our way.

One day I ventured out alone. I became totally absorbed in my surroundings listening to the melody created by the babbling brook, savoring the beauty of the colors made by the tiny rainbows in the water spraying off the rocks, and inhaling the smell of fresh flowers. Unfortunately, I did not keep track of how far I had traveled or in what direction. I began to panic, walking faster until I felt something deep in the very core of my being cry out, “Stop! Think about the steps you have already taken!” I immediately paused, remembered the family hiking lessons, and discovered the way to retrace my steps. I was soon met by a park ranger who had been looking for me. He shared that the area I had been wandering in was quite remote.

On my life journey, I know I must pay attention to God’s direction, pause often along the way, dwell deeply with the Holy, and trust that the Lord will bless me. This was the same knowledge the Israelites gained as they journeyed from Egypt into their unknown future.

Are you willing to believe that God is capable of providing everything you need on your journey, just as God did for the Israelites in the wilderness? I know I am. Because God continues to love…so God will always give.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.