God as a Guide

I went hiking over the weekend. We were up and down the trails over rocky terrain, root laden soil, mud, sand and pebbles. There were puddles to jump or navigate, waterways to wade in or observe from afar and destinations to discover. Note: I am not a seasoned hiker. But we had seasoned hikers with us so that made the experiences seem more energetic and less tentative. In some ways, they became our guides. We did not get lost.

It is good to have guides in life. We can rely on the path they carve out and feel comforted that someone else is making some of the calls along the way. We will not get lost. And if we do lose our way, the guide is there for comfort and a fresh way out.

Biblically, we can see the value of a guide.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Psalm 143:10

Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Proverbs 3:6

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Hiking reminded me of God. The beauty of his creation was all around. The sights and sounds of natural wonder were all around. Concentrating on my foot path as I stepped over the ground made me realize I needed to work to be sure footed in certain spaces. Isn’t that so about life?

Other people in my group may not have seen God on the hiking trails. They were busy keeping children on task and in the safety zone as we strolled and climbed and tripped along the paths.

I am glad God was in my presence as I hiked. I am rewarded to have noticed that God’s work is never done and when I must call upon a guide, I shall dial up God. Therefore, I will not be lost.