“The Journey” (Deut 8:1-6)

3,413 miles. 

It was a 19-day road trip, visiting 11 cities and spending time together with 8 different groups of people on the way.

Today, I want to talk to you about a journey—a journey that each of us is on, and a journey that mirrors the path the Israelites took from Egypt to the Promised Land. Our scripture reading from Deuteronomy 8:1-6 gives us insights into what this journey entails, and I believe there are profound lessons we can learn from it, lessons that apply to our walk with God today.

 

Where Are You?

The first question I want to ask you today is, "Where are you?" This is the very first question God asked Adam after he had sinned in the Garden of Eden. It’s also a question we need to ask ourselves as we journey through life.

I remember being lost in Quebec City, a place I thought I knew well (4^th time visit). A few days earlier, I received an email from the Hotel where I would stay, saying, “Construction work is currently taking place around the hotel. We advise you to plan your journey accordingly.” I ignored the message because I had a Google map (GPS), and I knew Quebec. It was late at night, and despite having a GPS, I found myself wandering aimlessly, unable to find my way to the hotel. Finally, I had to admit that I was lost and call the front desk for directions. The first thing they asked me was, "Where are you?" Only after I answered that question could I be guided to my destination.

In a similar way, the Israelites found themselves lost—not just physically in the wilderness, but spiritually as well. Their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was supposed to take 11 days (250-300 miles), but it ended up taking 40 years because they were disobedient and stubborn. They had to learn to trust God and follow His guidance. They had to ask themselves, "Where are we?"—not just geographically, but spiritually.

So, where are you today? Are you wandering in your spiritual life, unsure of which direction to take? Are you lost, trying to navigate the challenges of life on your own? It’s important to recognize where you are so that God can guide you to where you need to be.

 

The Dangers and Grace of the Journey

The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was filled with dangers. In today’s scripture the wilderness journey is described this way: “Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness…” (Deut 8:15-16a, NLT) The wilderness journey was treacherous, but God’s grace was always greater.

We see this in our own lives as well. I recall a moment on a recent road trip when our car began to shake violently on the highway. We were on our way to Niagara Falls, and the driver’s side rear tire had lost two bolts, and the wheel bearing was damaged. It was a scary situation, but still God’s grace was more than enough. We found the right auto shop, at the right time, with the right resources. The problem was fixed within an hour, and we were able to be back on the road again.

God doesn’t promise us a journey free from suffering, but He does promise to be with us always. “For all these forty years your clothes didn't wear out, and your feet didn't blister or swell.” (Dt 8:4, NLT) Just as God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, He provides for us as well. His grace is always greater than the dangers we face.

 

The Secret of Joy in the Wilderness

But the wilderness journey wasn’t just dangerous; it was also a place where the Israelites experienced joy. And the secret to that joy is found in Deuteronomy 8:6: "So it’s paramount that you keep the commandments of GOD your God, walk down the roads He shows you, and reverently respect Him." (MSG)

In other words, let God be God. Listen to Him, adore Him, savor Him, love Him, and rejoice in Him. John Piper rightly said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” When we allow God to take the driver’s seat in our lives, we experience true joy.

I remember taking my children to an amusement park in Niagara Falls. Grace and I were a team. We drove a go-kart together. She was in the passenger seat, but I let her steer with me while I controlled the speed. She had the time of her life! She said, “It was so much fun! It was the best!!” But what made it so much fun for her was that she knew I was in control. She felt safe and secure.

God is always near, but why don’t we experience joy? Because God is in the passenger’s seat. When we let God take control of our lives, we can experience joy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

 

The Blue Bird of Happiness

As I close, I want to share a story with you about two children, Tyltyl and Mytyl, who go on a great journey to find the Blue Bird of Happiness. They visit all kinds of mystical places, like the Land of Memory and the Kingdom of the Future. Along the way, they meet characters that represent different parts of life. But in the end, they realize that true happiness isn’t something far away or in things, but it’s found in the love and blessings that are already around them. They found the blue bird in their home!

As Christians, this story reminds us that the joy we seek comes from God and is found in our relationship with Him. Psalm 16:11 says, "You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

 

Conclusion: Trusting God on Our Journey

So, where are you on your journey today? Are you lost, trying to navigate life on your own? Or are you allowing God to guide you, to be your compass, your provider, and your source of joy?

The journey to the Promised Land wasn’t easy for the Israelites, and our journey isn’t easy either. But we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us every step of the way. He will guide us, provide for us, and fill our hearts with joy, no matter what dangers we face.

Let us trust in Him, let us let Him take the driver’s seat in our lives, and let us experience the fullness of joy that comes from walking in His presence.

May God bless you on your journey, and may you find peace and joy in His presence, now and always. Amen.