The fourth in our series of Lent Devotions comes from Clare Orr, ReStore Lisburn's Volunteer Coordinator.
The word for Lent derives from the old English word ‘Lencten’ which means ‘spring’ – a season of renewal. For many observing the Lent tradition this year, it will be a positive, transforming time of fasting, waiting and contemplating. However just as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, for many among us this season will sadly feel like time in the wilderness, full of struggle and despair.
When we think of wilderness, what comes to mind is somewhere neglected or abandoned, it is inhospitable and lonely. The wilderness can appear in our lives in many forms – for some it is overwhelming grief and loss, for others it is anger and rage, for many it is a time of loneliness and isolation or depression and anxiety. We feel weary, burnt out and everything seems meaningless. When we find ourselves in these challenging places, we want to avoid the discomfort and yet, the wilderness is not presented as a hopeless place in the Bible. God used the wilderness as a place of encounter, a place of renewal and transformation, and a place where God speaks to us.
One of my favourite worship songs ‘You restore my soul’ by New Wine Worship is based on the words of Psalm 23. The lyrics of the song bring me a deep sense of peace and strength particularly in the difficult days, knowing that no matter what wilderness or valley I find myself in, God meets me in this hard place, and reassures me that ‘He’s got me’.
The Lord is my shepherd
He restores my soul
He leads me by still waters
He restores my soul
Even when I'm lost in the deepest valley, You’re holding on to me
Even when the silence falls around me, I know You hear me
Even when it feels like we're separated, You're holding on to me
You lift my head, You wipe my tears
You restore my soul
You draw me into Your embrace
You restore my soul
In my role as ReStore Volunteer Coordinator, I am privileged to meet so many wonderful volunteers who give their time and their efforts each week to making a meaningful difference in their community. But at the same time many of our ReStore Volunteer Team also find themselves in a period of wilderness, struggling with mental health issues, addiction or difficult personal circumstances. It is a blessing to see volunteering in ReStore as a way for many to find community, confidence, support, self-esteem and a light in difficult times. Habitat ReStore gives the opportunity to find a new home for second-hand furniture and household supplies, but it also provides a place of renewal, joy and new life for volunteers who have been struggling in the wilderness.
In this Lent period, my prayer is that these words in Isaiah 43 will bring reassurance to us all: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.’
