A few weeks ago I was in a bit of a funk and struggling to get out of it. I was stuck in my head and letting my thoughts get the best of me. It was a Sunday morning and I was up earlier than usual. Everyone else was still asleep. I slipped on my shoes and headed out the door for a walk around our neighborhood. No music, no podcast, no phone call. Just me and God. The neighborhood is the typical Bloomington/Normal subdivision that is confusing and winding to strangers but one I could walk in my sleep. The sun was out and the breeze was gentle with hopes of Spring. Towards the end of my walk, I came upon a line of trees. I have driven past these trees daily for the past 20 years but they caught my attention on this particular day. They are enormous evergreens (or something similar) that tower over the houses. The ground underneath was covered in pine needles and the sun was shining through the tops of the trees. Standing underneath them I didn’t feel like I was in a subdivision, but rather deep in the woods somewhere. It was peaceful and beautiful and I could have sat and enjoyed it longer if it wasn’t someone else’s yard. Just having that brief time outside with God made my day different. It didn’t solve any problems but it changed my perspective and I came home feeling thankful and full.
While my walk was silent, I wasn’t walking alone. God was walking with me, speaking to my soul through His creation. He has never failed to show up when I have been willing to invite Him into my mess. It may not be exact answers to specific questions, but instead a reminder to keep trusting Him. Just when I think I’m learning to trust Him well, He gives me another opportunity to trust Him all over again. He is our refuge and our place of safety. I pray you find that in Him today too.
Psalm 59:16-17
But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me, unfailing love. NLT
Shelly Thomas