Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Matt. 4:1

In a book by Hank Bordowitz entitled "Billy Joel: The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man" iit was not surprising to learn that Joel battled for years with depression and alcoholism. What was eye-opening was that he tried to commit suicide by drinking furniture polish. He said, "I drank furniture polish. It looked tastier than bleach." Prior to the attempt, he left a suicide note, which later became the lyrics to "Tomorrow Is Today".

Jesus went to the desert; His own personal spiritual challenge. Depression is like the desert because it is a place where you are alone. Many people suffering from depression say, "I’m all alone even in a crowd." Depression is also like a desert in that it is a barren place devoid of the pleasures of life. Smiles are often forced just as one would force a smile while alone in a desert.

In the desert Jesus was tempted by the Devil. Hungry, thirsty and alone He could have ended the suffering with just a word but would not give in. He met the Devil’s temptations with the word of God. His strength was not in the physical but in the spiritual. After forty days and nights He walked out of the desert stronger because His faith held.

For those of you in the desert please remember your faith in God is being tested. Just as Jesus was never alone because God was walking with Him so too are you never alone. Read and study God’s word, hold to what is precious. Worship with others as well as alone. Let people befriend you.

Algeria Murphy, an elderly friend, once said to me when I refused her attempt to give me a small monetary gift, "To be able to minister you have to be ministered unto." What I came to understand through the years was that people need to give because they need to show they care. There are times that words aren't enough. To say, "I care" and keep walking is one things but to say, "I care" and embrace a person is a whole other expression of caring. A hug is caring in action and comes from the heart not the mouth.

In this life there are two relationships that matter more than all others. The first is your relationship with God through the Lord Jesus. The second is family – those who love you no matter what you’ve said or done or what they have said or done. Blood is always thicker than water because it contains love.

Jesus was tempted – His faith was tested. WE, at times, put ourselves in the desert and our faith is tested. It is tempting to say, "God doesn’t care, the church doesn’t care so why should I care." Resist temptation as Jesus resisted temptation. Come out of the desert stronger than when you entered.

He was alone in the desert except for the Father. You are never as alone as you may think because God is always with you.

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