wilderness

Often in the bible the term "wilderness" is symbolic of our distance from God, not a physical distance but a spiritual distance. In Habakkuk 3:5 judgments against Pharaoh and the Israelites are mentioned. The Israelites repeatedly disobeyed God during their "wilderness" march out of Egypt thus, the Lord carried out judgments on them. We all experience highs and lows, valleys and mountains. I'm sure we've also experienced the tantalizing temptations of the devil at our weakest moments. But the Lord reveals to us here and elsewhere in His word that just because we may be distant from God (by the way, we're the ones who stray from Him, not the other way around) that we are held accountable even then, of our actions and choices. It is in these wilderness times that we must work ever more diligently to be in His will and not our own. The best way to do that is by surrounding yourself with godly people who will hold you accountable, diving into His word, prayer, praise and even fasting. Also in the bible is evidence that our sin affects not only us but our families, our children and even generations. When we sin we create a gap in the protective wall that's around our family, including our church family. It is up to us to protect that wall, to protect the family, as well as ourselves.