Wild God
Have you ever felt drawn to spend time in nature? Have you wondered why being surrounded by the wilderness brings clarity, reduces stress, and revives the soul? The answer is simple: GOD IS WILD.
From the very beginning, God has desired to connect with us in the wilderness. As Genesis 2:7 (NIV) reminds us:
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
God could have chosen to create a temple or building for Adam and Eve, but instead, He placed them in a garden—the wilderness. This was His original design: for us to meet with Him in the wild places.
This explains why the wilderness calls to us on a deeper level. It’s not merely "the call of the wild"—it’s our soul recognizing that the wilderness is where God reveals Himself in profound ways. Throughout scripture, the wilderness is a recurring place where God meets His people.
For example, God led the Israelites out of Egypt into the wilderness, not to punish them, but to test and teach them. As Deuteronomy 8:2-6 (NIV) reminds us:
“You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not…”
The wilderness became a place where God showed them He was their provider, friend, peace, and strength. It was in the wilderness that God separated them from distractions so they could depend on Him fully.
David also encountered God in the wilderness. While fleeing from King Saul, David sought refuge in desolate caves and barren landscapes. It was in these low moments that David experienced the closeness of God, pouring out his heart in psalms and songs. Despite the harshness of his surroundings, David found peace and intimacy with God in the wilderness.
Finally, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness before the start of His public ministry. As Matthew 4:1 (NIV) tells us:
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
Jesus didn’t wander into the desert by accident. He went there on purpose, knowing it was a place to hear from God, to be tested, and to prepare for His mission. The wilderness became a sacred space for transformation and revelation.
So why does God meet us in the wilderness? The wilderness is free of distractions, forcing us to rely on Him. It’s where God reveals His strength in our weakness and His peace in our fears. As a wilderness survival instructor, I’ve seen firsthand the powerful personal transformation that occurs when people step away from the noise and meet God in the wild. It took me years to understand that the “why” behind this transformation is because, as Romans 1:20 (NIV) says:
“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
When we study creation, we learn about the Creator.
Life is busy, and distractions are everywhere, but the need to connect with God has never been greater. The wilderness is a place of healing, peace, and inspiration. My prayer is that you’ll seek God in the wild places, soon.
You don’t have to wait for a crisis or a major life shift to encounter God in the wilderness. He’s already there, waiting for you. Sometimes, all it takes is a step outside, a moment of silence, or a willingness to unplug and be present with Him. If the wilderness was God’s original meeting place with mankind, then maybe that’s where He’s inviting you to meet Him today.
Here are a few ways you can step into the wild and connect more deeply with Him this week:
INTO THE WILD
Verse to Contemplate:
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
— Genesis 2:7 (NIV)
Questions for the Wilderness Journal:
Have you ever felt closer to God in nature? What was different about that experience?
What distractions are currently keeping you from spending time alone with God?
In what ways might God be using your current “wilderness” season to refine, test, or teach you?
How has creation revealed something to you about the Creator?
What’s one step you can take this week to intentionally meet with God in a wild place?
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, thank You for meeting me in the wilderness. When life gets noisy and full, help me to remember that You still speak through the silence, the solitude, and the beauty of Your creation. Strip away the distractions, and lead me into a deeper relationship with You. I want to hear Your voice and know You more. Thank You for designing the wilderness as a place to meet with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wilderness Application:
Spend time outside today—whether in the woods, by a river, or in your backyard. Leave your phone behind and be fully present.
Find a quiet place outdoors and simply sit in silence. Listen. Breathe. Ask God to speak to your heart.
Read Psalm 19 aloud in nature, letting the words and the setting echo together.
Take time to study one small detail of creation—a leaf, a feather, a rock. Reflect on what it reveals about God’s nature.
Journal about a time when the wilderness—either literal or metaphorical—drew you closer to God. What changed in you?