Roses in the Desert

New Mexico is a beautiful state that offers a wide range of scenery and fun activities. The state offers mountains similar to what you find in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain states. New Mexico provides a wide variety of desert terrain, where you’d swear nothing can live. 

If you’ve ever driven across the state (or one that’s similar), you know what I mean. The green parts of the state are beautiful, abounding in plant and animal life. You’ll find small lakes and streams scattered in the forests at low and high altitudes. These areas are filled with trees of all kinds, including pines, aspen, juniper, oak, etc. There’s nothing like walking through a pine forest on a warm day, with the sun pouring through the trees. The smell of the pine sap is amazing when it's warmed by the sun—it’s better than any air freshener in a can. 

But what about the desert areas of New Mexico? Are these areas dead wastelands with nothing living in them? 

The Desert is Alive

One year, I spent about 6 months living in my folk’s RV. The rig was parked at an RV resort near where they lived. I aimed to see what living in an RV was like and whether I’d like to travel in one for a long period. It was a great experience for me; however, the park was pretty much in the desert. 

The desert there was filled with a few cacti, grasses, scrubby trees, and other plants. The area also had coyotes, pheasants, doves, lizards, and even hummingbirds! Yes, you read that correctly. 

During the months of living in the RV, I came to understand that even in the desert, there’s life, and that life is supported. For instance, the coyote, an opportunistic hunter, could find plenty of prey in this arid country. The hummingbirds found flowers out in the fields or in the town where my parents lived. People filled their yards with flowers and blooming shrubs of all kinds, and these offered food for the birds and animals living in town. 

The town and surrounding desert also featured some interesting scrubby trees. At first glance, those scrubby trees didn't seem to do much for the environment. But when you really pay attention, you see these somewhat ugly trees did have a purpose; they feed the birds and bees. I call these trees “bee trees,” as I haven’t found the true name of this species. The trees have gnarled, knobby trunks (something like an olive tree) and branches, with plenty of green leaves in the spring. Later in the spring, these “bee trees” also have bunches of beautiful, tiny white flowers. The bees bore holes into the trees, where they store honey and raise their young. The hummingbirds (and bees) love the white flowers of the bee trees. 

After the flowers have finished, the "bee tree" produces seeds. These seeds feed the small sparrows that abound in this dry place. The “bee trees” are needed in their arid environment, as they offer plenty of sustenance for the abundance of wildlife in this area, even for the bees. And they provide birds and bees with a place to live. How miraculous is that? 

As I visited with my parents, I noticed that the town was filled with rose bushes! This was a major surprise to find in the desert. The town is very arid—here, people have rocks instead of grass in their yards. It saves water in a very dry place. Yet, many homes have rose bushes, some that are allowed to grow tall over the houses. 

Seeing all this life in the desert firsthand was a moving experience. I realized that God provides for all of His creatures, no matter where they may live or the circumstances they must deal with. And for us, He provides roses in the desert and so much more. It’s amazing to see all this life in an arid place like a desert in New Mexico. 

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20 NKJV 

Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 

Psalm 40:5 NKJV

Roses in the Desert?

Many people love to live in desert areas, though it’s not a place I truly wanted to be for long. If you’re like me, you may long for the cool mountain heights filled with trees, water, and animals. Yet, the desert offered untold beauty in the magnificent sunrises and sunsets. I also found it to be a peaceful place that held restoration and invigoration.

When you look up at the New Mexico sky, you see an expanse of dark blue turquoise. At night, though, it's a different matter. On a clear night, the sky may take on a black velvet or blue velvet color that's scattered with millions of twinkling stars. On those nights, the sky above overflows with stars you can’t see in the city.

 Can the desert be a place of revival and restoration? Yes, it can, especially with the unique sights and experiences it has to offer. You may find roses in the desert that lift and rejuvenate your mind and spirit. 

Desert Times in Our Lives

As we travel through life, there are times when it’s full of promise and newness, yet there are also times when life feels barren, as if you’re slogging through a desert wasteland bearing an extremely heavy burden. Nothing seems to help you break out of this period, and it seems to continue indefinitely. Why does God allow these desert times? Let's consider what the Bible has to say about deserts.

The desert scenario is prominent in the Bible. For instance, God led the Israelites through the desert for 40 years. Elijah, the prophet, spent time in the desert. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, while John the Baptist lived in the desert. Paul spent three years in the desert after his conversion before he began his ministry. Why is the desert talked about so much in the Bible? 

The desert is often seen as a place of transformation. Exodus 12:31-50 shows when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Little did the people know that they would spend 40 years in the desert. They expected to be led directly to the Promised Land! But it was all those years in the desert that forged these people into a nation. That is an example of the transformative power of desert times. 

In the Bible, the desert also reminds us that only God can sustain us and meet all of our needs. Here, again, the people of Israel had to learn this lesson as they wandered the desert for 40 years. So, if you’re experiencing a stint in the desert, maybe God’s trying to tell you to depend on Him instead of yourself or others. 

That’s much like the roses that grow in the desert. These roses are cultivated; they're not wildflowers. They are entirely dependent on the rain that comes down but also on the water people give them. Much like cultivated roses, we are completely dependent on God’s provision, love, and care. 

When you’re in the desert places of life, it can feel dry, barren, and inescapable. It seems as if the “desert time” will last forever. Maybe something in your life drove you away from God, or you were distracted by work and circumstances. Being in the desert can zap your will and strength. Everything may seem hopeless—you may even feel like Hagar in the desert. 

Hagar in the Desert

You can read about Hagar’s desert experience in Genesis 14:14-21. In these verses, Hagar was just thrown out by Abraham. He had given her a water skin and bread, then told her to leave with her son. How scary that must have been and how hopeless Hagar must have felt. 

After traveling for a time, Hagar found that the water in the waterskin had been used up. It was here that Hagar believed she and her son would die. There was no help, water, or food in sight. At this point, Hagar began to weep, thinking that no one heard her. But God heard Hagar and her son crying. God heard her cries and told her not to fear. He told Hargar to lift up her son and head to the well water she hadn’t seen. Becaues of God's mercy, Hagar and her son lived, and God made of Hagar's son a great nation. 

Not only did God provide for Hagar and her son, but He also helped Hagar see the well of water she missed! Genesis 21:19 says, “Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water…” Maybe Hagar missed the well altogether because of her fear and focusing on her plight, or God miraculously placed a well there. Either way, He helped Hagar see the well and save herself and her son. God provided for them both in the desert, in a place Hagar fully thought would be the end of her and her boy. 

Hope & Life in the Desert

How often do we feel like Hagar in the desert times of life? We may be so occupied with our own cares, anxieties, and circumstances that we completely miss the provision God is trying to give us. If we will turn to Him, our Father will show us how to proceed—He will “open our eyes.” He will provide for us in ways we can only imagine. Just like He did for Hagar and her son and the roses in the desert, God will provide for us. 

The key is that we have to turn to God first. We have to ask for His help. Why? Can’t He take care of whatever problems we’re having? Yes, God can and does sometimes. But God is not Santa Clause or a magic genie who brings us everything we desire or demand. That’s not how it works. We first have to give permission for God to help us. We do this by asking for His help and guidance. 

If you’re in the desert, now is the time to turn to God. Ask Him to forgive your sins through Christ, and then discuss with God what’s going on, what you need, etc. You may need to stay in the “desert” to learn more, but He will provide for you. He promises this. 

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Philippian 4:19 NKJV 

This is the time to remember God’s promises and take Him at His word. Remember all the times He’s helped you, provided for you, and guided you. God’s power is endless, and He is bigger than anything you may be facing in the desert time. And remember the roses that grow in the desert. Even in these parched wastelands, God is working. He will minister to us, just as He does the roses, plants, and animals in the desert.

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped…

Isaiah 35:1-10 NKJV

Closing Thoughts

If you’re in the wilderness or desert, don’t give up. We don't know how long these periods will last. But I know one thing is crucial...turn to God, reach out to Him, and ask for help. He will provide if you seek Him with your whole heart and cry out to Him. 

But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 

Deuteronomy 4:29 NKJV 

Like Hagar and roses in the desert, God will provide for you—He has promised to do so. God will make a way in the wilderness and lead you to a more fulfilling life with Him. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc. head over to our Resources page!