Lifted Away

along the trail up Balm of Gilead Mt
Siamese Pond Wilderness Area
Central Adirondacks

As I trudged up the trail on a crisp, cool Autumn Friday, I looked up at the golden glory all around and above me, and I smiled and whispered thanks to God, the Creator of all this beauty. 

I was hiking with just one other person and we were both chatty at the beginning, but as we began the climb to the summit, we stopped talking and became still.  God's Word tells us to be still and know that He is God. 

When I am still.....in mind and heart, especially, I feel like I can be more present in His Presence. 

When thoughts are controlled and my mind is focused on God, I know my faith increases and the hope I have in Him is easier to grasp.  Does that make sense? 

It does if you're a Believer.  By following Christ, not all of life is easy.  There are trials to overcome because sin entered the world long, long ago even though God the Creator made a perfect place for humans and animals to dwell in. 

But because of sin, we need a Savior to redeem us. Most of you know this and are followers of Him.

But sometimes.....life is just so darn hard! 

That Friday, I was struggling with some inner thoughts that led to some inner doubts. I didn't discuss them with my friend although she is very wise and discerning and a wonderful prayer warrior. 

I kept certain things to myself to talk to God about when I got to that summit. 

The first glimpse into the Siamese Pond Wilderness
from the edge of the summit on Balm of Gilead mt. 
 3 October 

As I stood there, I felt this amazing peace creep into my heart, soul and mind. I thanked God that we made it to the summit and that we were the only humans up there!  There was just us and God.

Diane went off to her self to contemplate and I walked further up the rockface to sit on the summit proper looking out at the world below us.   

I know I was in His Presence because I felt Him begin to speak to me. It's a still, small Voice and I had to intentionally quiet my thoughts to "hear" the Spirit. 

He showed me that He hears me. He hears every thought I have, every prayer I utter, and every groan that escapes my lips. 

He already knew the thoughts I was having that morning. 
And He thinks about us, too.  There's comfort in that.  it does give me hope. 

from the summit ledge 
where I sat in the Presence of God

You don't have to hike a mountain to be in the Presence of God.

You can find God anywhere when you open your eyes to see. 

For me?  My burdens that morning were lifted away as I cast my eyes to the mountains around me and whispered "Thank You" to Him...the One who gives me peace, hope and the promise that His Presence is with me.