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THE WILDERNESS – Choosing Jesus in the Dry Places
Based on the message by Mona DeVous
OVERVIEW
What do you do when you are in a dry place and do not feel the presence of God?
Teaching from Psalm 63, Mona DeVous looks at how David responded in the wilderness. Though he was in a dry and thirsty land, David still confessed that God was his God. He chose to seek Him, praise Him, remember His faithfulness, meditate on Him, and hold fast to His promises.
The wilderness exposes what is in our hearts, humbles us, and teaches us to depend on God and His Word. Jesus was also led into the wilderness, and every time He was tempted, He responded with, “It is written.” Believers are called to do the same, not to be ruled by feelings, but to answer with the truth of God’s Word.
The wilderness is also an opportunity for deeper communion with God. “David wasn’t looking for relief. He was looking for communion with God.” Rather than only looking for a way out, we are called to seek Jesus, choose Him again and again, and surrender to Him in the middle of the dry place.
Mona also gives a strong warning against isolation: “Isolation is not your friend.” God designed His people to encourage one another, build one another up, speak truth in love, and walk together as family.
“When we don’t feel Him, we especially need to read the Word.” – Mona DeVous
HOW TO USE THIS STUDY GUIDE
Read → Respond → Reflect
Open your Bible. Read each passage carefully before answering the questions.
Allow Scripture to shape your understanding. The goal is not simply to remember the sermon, but to know Jesus more deeply, depend on His Word, and continue choosing Him even in the wilderness.
This guide is designed for individual study, family discipleship, and Roads Groups. Its format follows the structure of the previous sermon study guide while using only the content and Scriptures from Mona’s sermon.
SECTION 1 — THE WILDERNESS DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD
Focus
The wilderness invites us to seek God above our circumstances and pursue communion with Him.
Read
Psalm 63:1–8
Respond
- What does David thirst and long for?
- What has David looked for in the sanctuary?
- What does David say is better than life, and how does he respond?
- What satisfies David’s soul, and what does he remember during the night?
- What gives David confidence while he is in the wilderness?
- What repeated actions does David choose instead of focusing only on his circumstances?
Reflect
- Am I seeking God first, or am I seeking relief first?
- What can I learn from David’s response in the wilderness?
- How can I intentionally pursue communion with God this week?
Further Scripture Reading
Psalm 42:1–2, Isaiah 55:1–3, James 4:8
SECTION 2 — THE WILDERNESS CHANGES US
Focus
God uses the wilderness to expose our hearts, humble us, and teach us dependence on Him.
Read
Deuteronomy 8:2, Psalm 139:23–24, Jeremiah 29:13
Respond
- According to Deuteronomy 8:2, why did God lead Israel through the wilderness?
- What did God want to know about His people?
- According to Psalm 139:23–24, what does David ask God to search and reveal?
- What does David ask God to lead him in?
- According to Jeremiah 29:13, when will people find God?
- What do these passages reveal about the importance of seeking God with the whole heart?
Reflect
- What may God be revealing in my heart during this season?
- Have I been depending more on myself or on God?
- What area of my life needs greater surrender?
Further Scripture Reading
James 1:2–4, Romans 5:3–5, Hebrews 12:10–11
SECTION 3 — CHOOSE THE WORD OVER YOUR FEELINGS
Focus
Jesus shows us how to respond to temptation and difficulty with the truth of God’s Word.
Read
Matthew 4:1–11, 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Respond
- According to Matthew 4:1, who led Jesus into the wilderness?
- How did Jesus respond each time Satan tempted Him?
- What phrase is repeated throughout Jesus’ responses?
- According to Matthew 4:10, who alone is worthy of worship and service?
- According to 1 Thessalonians 5:24, what is true about the One who calls us?
- What do these passages teach about trusting God when our feelings or circumstances challenge what He has said?
Reflect
- Am I allowing my feelings or God’s Word to shape my decisions?
- What truth from Scripture do I need to hold fast to this week?
- How can I become more intentional about feeding on God’s Word daily?
Further Scripture Reading
Psalm 119:9–16, Hebrews 4:12, Joshua 1:8
SECTION 4 — DON’T WALK THROUGH THE WILDERNESS ALONE
Focus
God designed His people to encourage, strengthen, and help one another.
Read
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Respond
- According to Ecclesiastes 4:9, why are two better than one?
- What can one person do when the other falls?
- What warning is given about the person who falls while alone?
- According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, what are believers instructed to do for one another?
- What do these passages reveal about God’s design for relationships among believers?
- How can encouragement and connection help someone walking through a difficult season?
Reflect
- Am I allowing others to encourage and strengthen me?
- Have I been withdrawing or isolating myself?
- Who can I intentionally encourage or walk alongside this week?
Further Scripture Reading
Hebrews 10:24–25, Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 27:17
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
The wilderness is an opportunity to know Jesus more deeply.
Like David, seek God, praise Him, remember His faithfulness, and hold fast to His promises. Like Jesus, answer temptation with the truth of God’s Word. Allow God to search your heart and teach you dependence on Him.
Do not isolate yourself. Stay connected to the family of God and allow others to encourage, strengthen, and speak truth to you.
Whether you feel His presence or not, continue to choose Him.
Embrace Jesus. Depend on His Word. Choose Jesus in the dry places.