Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you”
I love backpacking. I’ve always loved the intensity and challenge that comes with a trip packed on your back, miles of trail-heads and little to no idea as to what you’re doing. I’m not a backpacking expert, that’s for sure, but I have backpacked Havasupai and Big Sur and I will say, those memories are ones I will always hold on to.
Why is that? Well, there’s something about backpacking. When you reach a peak or turn the millionth lousy corner and see the view you’ve been fighting hours for, time stands still. I can’t explain the thrill that comes with looking over God’s intentionally designed and elegantly painted creation. I feel ever so close to the Lord when I stand still with time, breathing in his gift of creation.
Those moments, when time stands still, I feel the closest to the Holy Spirit. Yes, looking over a stunning landscape, watching a massive waterfall plummet into a blue lagoon, brings you closer to the one who created it all, but I think for me, I feel close to the Holy Spirit in those very moments because I worked, I put in the time, I climbed, I panted, I pushed through to see and appreciate the glory of God.
And I think it’s the same with life. Experiencing the Holy Spirit requires practice, patience, obedience. I have moments in life when I feel the spirit give me peace or a swell of joy in the depths of my heart and I know it’s because I’ve been trudging along through this not so easy life, fighting to stay close with him.
Life is clouded with hurt and struggles. We’re faced with busy days and crammed schedules. We find ourselves distracted with social media and stressed over school or work. Life can feel impossible, but when we’re trudging along with a steady relationship with Jesus, there are moments when time stands still and we reach a time in life when God’s glory floods in. the Holy Spirit sparks something in me, even in the hardest days of life because no matter how steep the climb is or tired and weary I feel, I trust and know the spirit is leading and guiding me into something glorious.
No matter the hardships your facing, continue pursuing a relationship with Jesus. Because there will be days, even when it feels like things can’t get worse you’ll make a turn or reach a peak and time will stand still. Time will stand still and you’ll breathe deep the goodness of God, be filled with peace from the Holy Spirit, and get a glimpse of all Jesus has for you.
Take a second today to stop. Stop and ask Jesus to meet you where you’re at and care for you. He’ll show up in the hardness of life and hold your hand as time stands still.