Often times we tend to think of deserted places as being bad places. True, the deserted place for Jesus was in the wilderness. It was barren and lonesome and there weren’t many inhabitants there. The deserted place can, however, be a place of many things. It can be place of quietness, and a place of safety. Maybe a place of mourning or sorrow. For Jesus, it could have been all of those. But most of all, I see that His deserted places were places of prayer for others and Himself, worship for His Father, and compassion for others .

After Jesus had heard of the death of John the Baptist, He went to a deserted place by boat alone. The multitudes followed Him there on foot.
Certainly, if He wanted to be alone this might have irritated Him. But Jesus saw them and was moved with compassion for them. He healed their sick. The disciples wanted Jesus to send the people away, but Jesus fed all 5000 of them with five loaves and two fish.

Then, once again, Jesus went to another deserted place. He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray. He then saw that his disciples were in a storm. Moved by compassion for their situation and fears, He came to them on the water. He also reassured Peter that he was truly Lord by commanding him to “Come”. Then Peter too walked across the water to Jesus. The storm was calmed and they worshiped Him saying “Truly You are the Son of God."

We too find ourselves in the deserted places. Jesus is with us and is in control when we are in our deserted places and when we are outside of them.
We have a Savior who is moved by our weaknesses. One who has compassion for the distressed and dispirited. He is faithful even when we are faithless.
Lord, help me to see you and how you want to want to work in MY deserted places. Lord, may I see Your power and glory revealed as a result of them.