Life's journey is often marked by varying landscapes: some filled with lush valleys and flowing streams, while others are dry, barren deserts. These desert seasons can be marked by trials, doubts, and difficulties. Brooke Ligertwood's Desert Song is a beautiful anthem of faith, hope, and trust in God, even in the midst of life's driest seasons. "All of my life, In every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship." These lines powerfully communicate the constancy of God's presence and His unwavering nature, irrespective of our circumstances. In every season, whether bountiful or barren, there's a reason to worship the One who remains unchanging. Reflecting on our key scripture from Isaiah and the message of "Desert Song," several truths emerge: 1. God is Active in the Desert: Just as Isaiah promises that God is doing a "new thing" even in the wilderness, Brooke's lyrics affirm that our desert experiences are not devoid of God's presence or purpose. He's actively working, shaping, and molding us, preparing us for the next chapter of our journey. 2. Deserts Precede Growth: Often, the most significant growth in our spiritual lives occurs in the desert seasons. It's in the barrenness that we learn to depend on God, drawing closer to Him and finding sustenance in His Word. As the song declares, "This is my prayer in the desert, when all that's within me feels dry." Even when we feel empty, God fills us with His presence, ensuring we never walk alone. 3. Worship as an Act of Defiance: Choosing to worship, especially when circumstances seem bleak, is a powerful act of defiance against despair and doubt. It's a declaration that our faith is not based on our surroundings but on the unchanging nature of our God. "I will bring praise, I will bring praise, No weapon formed against me shall remain." These lines emphasize that our worship becomes a weapon, breaking down barriers and paving the way for God's blessings. Today, as you immerse yourself in the melodies and messages of Desert Song, consider the current landscape of your life. Are you in a season of drought, longing for refreshment? Or perhaps you've recently emerged from such a time and are now stepping into a season of abundance? Regardless of where you find yourself, remember that God is with you, working all things together for your good. He is the One who can bring streams of living water to the driest desert, ensuring you never thirst. And even when the path seems unclear, trust that He is making a way, guiding each step with His loving hand. So, with a heart full of faith, lift up your voice in worship. Declare the truths found in "Desert Song," acknowledging God's faithfulness in every season. And as you do, may you find strength, hope, and renewal, knowing that the One who led you into the desert will surely lead you out, bringing forth growth, blessings, and a deeper intimacy with Him.Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

“ 2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.” Deuteronomy 8:2-5 (NIV) We know of course, that the Israelites to whom this was spoken failed the wilderness test miserably – they grumbled, they rebelled, they slipped into idolatry – yet God still sustained this people, stuck with them, they remained His choice. In Luke 4, Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit and passes the test that the Israelites centuries prior couldn't pass – but as Tim Keller pointed out in his sermon “Honey from the Rock” (yes, it's the same sermon that helped inspire that other song!), Jesus passes the test that we cannot pass. We are going to face wilderness seasons, desert seasons, in our lives, and statistically, the likelihood of us navigating them perfectly and sinlessly is absolutely 0%. 1 Corinthians 10 tells us to take heed of what happened with the Israelites, to be warned and not to think we're beyond making some of the same mess ups – but we're also encouraged in the same chapter that God is faithful and that when we're tempted He WILL provide a way out so that we can “endure” (that's such an important word for the wilderness) and told that even those wild post-Egyptian Israelites were accompanied by Christ: “They drank from the spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and the Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4 NIV) If He accompanied them in the desert, He certainly accompanies us. Thank God we have a Savior who navigated the wilderness perfectly before we ever had to, that He will help us endure and sustain us therein. He is one in whom we can absolutely trust and on whom we can utterly rely. “To him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:16| Original post by Brooke Ligertwood available on YouVersion. A five-day reading plan exploring some of the Biblical perspectives that anchor Brooke's album, EIGHT. Enjoy devotionals that journey through themes like the fear of the Lord, postures in prayer, enduring in wilderness seasons, enjoying God, and choosing Him in response to His choice of us!, as well as featuring lyrics and music from songs throughout the Album EIGHT by Brooke Ligertwood.

Sometimes we can find ourselves in seasons that seem lonely and deserted. What is it like to live in a desert? It is a place without comforts and conveniences. A place of intense pressure, and even danger. A place of temptation, for both mind and emotions. A place of desolation, where we are forced to face everything about ourselves afresh. Our character is stretched to the limit. Yet, we find comfort in knowing we can engage the heart of the Father through praise and worship. Seek Him. Listen to Him. Let Him change you. Find the sheet music, chord charts, patches, and orchestrations you need for curating these worship moments.

Sometimes we do crazy things when we feel desperate. When anxiety becomes overwhelming or temptation becomes too great, we can throw everything away for momentary relief. We can be so quick to give up what God has given us for a fleeting reprieve. Download these songs on the theme of desperation.

There are many things that we desire, and some of those are healthy things, none should be our greatest desire but God. When anything else becomes our greatest desire it becomes the object of our worship and there is none more worthy than God Almighty. Nothing else can satisfy. David so beautifully said in Psalm 73:25 (ESV)…“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”