My husband and I walk our dog every morning. There are a few routes we can take, but all of them include some dry and dusty paths since we live in a desert.

One route winds behind a large hardware store. We only take that route on Sundays to avoid delivery trucks. Along that back alley, there is a large sandy hill with sparse desert plantings and a bit of irrigation — just enough to keep the existing plants alive to hold the sandy soil in place.

One day, one of the irrigation heads broke. Water gushed out freely instead of the planned dribble. I reported the leak, but weeks passed before a repair was made, and I noticed a beautiful thing. After only a few Sundays, the area around the leak went from a few clumps of dusty, spindly grass to a lush, jungle-like oasis. Flowers bloomed, birds sang, and rabbits frolicked. The air was cooler in that area as we walked by. I loved that ephemeral garden.

All it took was turning on a little water.

“Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God can turn any desert into a lush garden. It’s a simple thing to Him. No matter what my life looks like right now, God can remake it entirely. A seemingly lifeless relationship can be rejuvenated. An unhealthy habit can be washed away bringing renewed hope and vitality. A country that has been upended by fear or greed can be restored to faith, generosity, and love.

All it takes is turning to God, the source of true life and love.

Dear God, thank you for the example of your restoration and love that I see when water arrives in this desert. Please bring your healing waters to my life, my family, and my country. I look forward to the day when all deserts of the soul are made lush.