God in the Desert: A Spiritual Theology of Wilderness in the Old Testament

The desert is a place of paradox. In the desert we encounter silence and revelation, hunger and provision, barrenness and abundance, absence of God and intimate awareness of God's presence. The image of wilderness is a key theme in Scripture, from Abraham, Moses, and the prophets to Jesus. And throughout church history, people of faith have found it to be a useful metaphor for the spiritual life.

In God in the Desert, Old Testament scholar and spiritual director Noel Forlini Burt explores Old Testament wilderness narratives in conversation with wise voices from throughout church history, bridging the gap between biblical studies and spiritual formation. Journeying through stories such as Hagar, Elijah, and the Israelites at Sinai, each chapter also engages with figures like the desert fathers and mothers, Parker Palmer, Henri Nouwen, Richard Rohr, and Eugene Peterson.

God in the Desert

• connects biblical studies and spiritual formation,
• traces the theme of wilderness in the Old Testament and its implications for Christians, and
• combines scholarly depth with practical and inspiring spiritual reflection.

In this book, you'll walk through key themes and practices in spiritual formation like solitude, rebirth, prayer, spiritual reading, attachment, and how they can nurture the souls of readers today. Connecting biblical texts to her own experiences and those of Christians across time, Forlini Burt unpacks how wilderness can still be a place of transformation as God's people respond to the God of the desert. Whether you're a scholar, student, pastor, or spiritual formation practitioner, you'll find deep engagement with the Scriptures and spiritual wisdom for the Christian life in God in the Desert.