My Journal and Diary
2025
June
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025
Hiking
I love hiking and being out in the wilderness. Not only is it relaxing, but I feel so close to God when I'm away from the distractions and obsessions of man.
Something I learned in our devotional time today: for a Christian, hiking isn't ideally about moving through nature, as if the point is some final destination. Rather, it's about being in the midst of God's creation, more in touch with the things he has touched.
I want to breathe in the rich colour of earth, the bright scent of flower blossoms, and even the heady stink of decay. I want to fill my eyes with the beauty of a setting sun. I want to hide myself under the branches of pine trees, or to lie on a hot rock and gaze up at the clouds. I want to wrap myself up in the blanket of God's handiwork, and to enjoy Him completely.
I want to forget about all the ways we humans try to subdue and control our surroundings, and instead be overwhelmed by the power of God. I want to sing a never-ending song of adoration to the creator.
Jesus lived like this. He often withdrew to a "lonely place" to enjoy solitude, and to commune with the Father. When I get away from the daily buzz, into the wilderness, I sense my emotional and spiritual batteries being charged. I am also putting myself in a place where I can hear God's still, small voice.
If this isn't part of your regular practise, I'd encourage you to give it a try. Maybe the Father is waiting for us to slow down enough to hear His voice.