That the Lord “rides in the heavens” isn’t surprising. That’s what the psalmist pens in Psalm 68:33 . . . and it’s kind of what you’d expect of our God. You can imagine Him in power and majesty riding on high. The picture in Revelation comes to mind . . . the One called Faithful and True arrayed in glory . . .emerging from the portals of heaven itself riding a white horse . . . surrounded by the armies of heaven . . . the King of kings and Lord of lords. When you think of God “riding” you instinctively think to look up and behold the One who “makes the clouds His chariot” and “rides on the wings of the wind” (Ps. 104:3). That’s were you expect God to ride . . . He rides the heavens! But this morning I’m struck by the fact that the psalmist also declares that my God is a desert rider as well.

But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy! Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song to Him who rides through the deserts; His name is the LORD; exult before Him!   (Psalm 68:3-4 ESV)

Now, if you’re reading a translation other than the ESV or NASB, looks like you’ll miss this . . . rather than “desert” it’s translated “heavens” (AV) or “clouds” (NKJV, NIV). But based on my study tools, it really should be translated “desert” . . . and that just creates a very different picture for me . . . and evokes a sense of awe, wonder, and worship!

So, I know that God accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt and went with them in the desert . . . appearing as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21-22). But I guess I always thought about it from an earthbound perspective. Though God is in their midst, I still imagine the people looking up and beholding the cloud . . . I can feel the crick developing in their necks as these sojourners turn their eyes skyward to gaze upon the pillar of fire. To be sure, an awesome sight. But what did the cloud and pillar of fire look like from heaven’s perspective . . . can anyone say, “Look down! Look way down!”

My God is a desert rider. He descends in order to lead His people . . . and if His people are in the desert, then He is there to captain them through the wilderness. He rides before them through barren lands . . . and barren times . . . to bring them through the dry land and into the place of promise. He condescends to enter into their reality that He might deliver them. Oh, the depths to which our majestic King reaches in order to settle “the solitary in a home” and to lead “prisoners to prosperity” (68:6).

He who “rides in the heavens” entered the desert in the flesh . . . “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he Himself likewise partook of the same things . . . Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest . . . For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Heb. 2:14, 17; 4:15).

He who “rides in the heavens” visits those who faithfully work their way through the desert . . . “For this is what the high and lofty One says–He who lives for ever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite'” (Isa 57:15).

He who is “rides in the heavens” takes up residence within dusted-up pilgrims by the agency of the Holy Spirit of God. Graciously knocking at the heart . . . asking to be permitted entrance . . . that He might enter our ride before us in the desert through abiding fellowship.

Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel–He is the one who gives power and strength to His people.   (Psalm 68:35 ESV)

. . . in the desert.

Blessed be God! Lift up a song to Him who rides through the deserts; His name is the LORD; exult before Him!