Discovering God’s Goodness in the Desert Seasons

Guest Writer: Maria I. Morgan

"Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" Exodus 15:11 (KJV)

Remember the adventures of the children of Israel in the desert? Their story is a mirror for us today: turning from God, experiencing desperate need, and complaining. Each time they cried out, the Lord came to their rescue, but soon after, they forgot God's goodness and started the cycle again.

Before I’m too hard on them, I have to admit that during my own battle with anxiety and depression, I found myself walking the same weary circle. Like the Israelites, I often forgot what God had done in the past, and my focus shifted to my fears instead of His faithfulness. Their story has much to teach us about breaking the cycle and fixing our eyes on the One who can steady our steps and offer deliverance.

After being set free from slavery in Egypt, the Lord led His people straight to the Red Sea. Behind them, Pharaoh’s army thundered in pursuit. Before them stretched an impassable body of water. Terrified, they cried out to God for help—all while blaming Moses for getting them into such a desperate situation in the first place.

God’s answer was nothing short of miraculous: the waters parted, and the entire nation walked across on dry ground. But when Pharaoh and his army followed, the Lord brought the walls of water crashing down, drowning their enemies completely.

In response, the Israelites lifted their voices in the first recorded worship service on the shores of the Red Sea:

“. . . I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him” Exodus 15:1b-2 (KJV)

Only three days later, the same people who had sung with such passion forgot the God who had rescued them. Faced with bitter water at Marah, they grumbled against Moses. Once again, God provided—this time by showing Moses a tree that, when thrown into the water, made it sweet. Their thirst was quenched, but the pattern of forgetfulness and complaint continued.

God's Goodness in Our Lives

The book of Exodus paints a vivid picture: a rescued people, quick to worship in moments of triumph, yet just as quick to doubt when the next hardship came.

As I reflect on their story, I can see myself. Fear and doubt held me captive for two and a half years. Early on, I pleaded with God for answers, desperate to fix what was wrong. What I didn’t realize was that He was gently placing His finger on old wounds that needed His healing touch.

Over time, anger surfaced. The closeness I once shared with my Heavenly Father became a guarded distance. I struggled to open His Word and gradually stopped talking to Him. The more I relied on myself, the less I trusted Him. My thoughts spiraled downward. No one can help me. I can’t tell my friends I’m struggling because they’ll think poorly of me. I must not be a Christian.

"No one can help me. I can’t tell my friends I’m struggling because they’ll think poorly of me. I must not be a Christian." ~Maria Morgan

Just like the Israelites faced hunger and thirst in the desert, I found myself wrestling with the spiritual equivalents. I was empty. Confusion replaced clarity. Gloom smothered joy. Anxiety eroded my peace.

Rather than fixing my gaze on God’s greatness and goodness, I became consumed with my problems, repeating the very pattern of the wilderness wanderers. Complaining became a habit, and depression wasn’t far behind. Isolation and a lack of purpose pulled me further inward.

"In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul." Psalm 94:19 (KJV)

Grasping for control proved exhausting—physically, mentally, and spiritually. When I finally opened my hands in surrender, crying out to God for help as the Israelites once had, God miraculously lifted the fog of anxiety and depression.

True in both the Israelites’ case and mine: God hears our cries no matter how far we’ve wandered. And it’s often the soil of suffering where the deepest growth takes root. We’re invited to remember God's goodness and proclaim His praise.

Our Savior never promised the journey would be easy—but He did promise His presence. The same God who heard the cries of the children of Israel in the desert hears ours today. As we submit to Him and resist the urge to stray, we can move forward in faith—one step at a  time, guided by the One who never leaves our side.

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)

Time to Reflect: When have you found yourself repeating the same cycle of fear, doubt, or complaint that the Israelites displayed in the wilderness?

Time to Respond: Take a few minutes to write down three specific ways God has provided for you in the past. Keep the list visible this week as a reminder of His faithfulness when new challenges arise.

Can I Pray for You?

Thank You, Father, for being so patient with us. You know how easy it is for us to wander, yet in Your goodness, Your ears are open to our cries and You faithfully draw us back to Your side. Forgive us when we stubbornly go our own way. Give us hearts that willingly submit to You. Help us remember Your past provision so we don’t fall into a cycle of forgetfulness and complaining. Fill us with words to sing praises to Your name. You are worthy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Maria I. Morgan is an award-winning author and speaker passionate about helping women break free from anxiety and depression. Through faith, personal storytelling, and practical steps, she equips readers to embrace freedom, joy, and purpose in Christ.

Her book, Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression (now available), offers a faith-centered, holistic approach to

healing that addresses body, soul, and spirit. Contact Maria at https://www.mariaimorgan.com/