Experiencing beauty by walking in His strength.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
Psalm 87: 5-7 New International Version

A good friend and I spent some time at Rocky Mountain National Park.  We hiked on trails to see peaceful lakes and ended our day viewing a beautiful waterfall.  It was evening and the sun was ready to set.  As we headed back to the parked car we ran into this amazing creation.  I’ve never been so close to an elk.  He was an amazing demonstration of strength and peace.  We stood for a while watching him chew his dinner and glance at us occasionally.  I was excited to have such a close view.  However, we did have one problem.  He stood by a stream we needed to cross and directly next to the path we needed to take.  It is one thing to admire an elk from a safe distance and an entirely different thing to know you must closely approach something with so much strength and power.

God brings us through similar situations as we walk through life.  There are many beautiful things to observe and take part in all around us.  At times we are surrounded by pools of refreshing water created by God’s collection of our tears.  Sometimes there are situations in our path that like this elk are both incredible experiences and frightening at the same time.  The glory of God Himself fills us with this type of awe as we draw near to Him.  Draw upon His strength to lead you through the wonderful experiences He has planned out for you.  Adoption, a new job, moving, caring for an elderly parent, triplets, illness and a million other life experiences create a magnificent and terrifying picture.  God provides strength as you approach each new situation, and as you pass by the things you once feared you will learn to walk in faith, knowing He has made you strong.

Text and Picture Copyright Richelle Hecker