Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
PSALM 91:1–2
Hiking in the summertime brings so much joy: going outdoors, breathing fresh air, leaving stale or chaotic surroundings behind. In the mountains, we breathe deeply and let our eyes roam over beautiful countryside and distant vistas. We pass among trees and wildflowers; we catch glimpses of birds, deer, and other wildlife. Maybe we follow the course of a stream or the shore of a high mountain lake.
Sometimes as the path climbs higher, that wide-open atmosphere changes unexpectedly. Clouds darken the day. The wind that had been sighing softly among the trees picks up speed, thrashing through the branches.
At this point, a wise and experienced hiker—or a cautious one—heads for shelter, perhaps back to the car or the cabin. A storm is coming, with rain and the danger of lightning. Wild weather can be exhilarating, but less experienced hikers are fortunate if they have someone to warn them and guide them to safety.
Sometimes this happens in everyday life, too. We’re on a path that seems so pleasant to us. We’re breathing deeply, enjoying our surroundings, our activities, our companions. They may offer beauty or excitement, solace or belonging. And then . . . spiritual unease clouds our way. The Holy Spirit tugs at us, signaling our spirit that all is not well, that we are in danger. What started out so enjoyably has become a walk that may harm us spiritually. When this happens, we need to ask ourselves, Is there another route open to us, leading to a place of refuge? When the storm clouds gather, we are wise to seek shelter.