Recently we went for a hike on a trail around a lake. It was a 1.8-mile walk. The trail was small and tree-covered, so you had to look down and watch your step if you didn’t want to trip over the roots, rocks, and fallen trees. There was a lot of damage from the rain and wind of a recent storm. In some places you had to duck under tree limbs or carefully pass between bushes of mountain laurel or rhododendrons. Sometimes there was poison ivy close by and, of course, we tried not to let it touch us!

The trail had some ups and downs, but it was never very steep. About half-way around there was a small swinging bridge across the lake, which at that point was more like a creek. Thankfully there were ropes on the sides that you could hold onto to help you keep your balance as you walked. Ater crossing, you had to go up a set of steps to get to the trail on the other side. Along the way, there were options for taking a longer or a shorter route. (we chose the shorter one!) Occasionally colored patches painted on the trees marked the way and reassured us that we were still on the right path.

It was a warm day, and on the way back we were blessed with a little breeze. We were tired, but one young man passed us twice as he ran along the loop trail! We were just glad to see the bridge that led us back across the lake to our car (and the air conditioning).

As I look back and reflect on this day, I can think of many lessons from this little adventure. The trail was a narrow path (Mt. 7:13-14). We had to watch our steps (Ps. 37:23-24) because of obstacles from below, above, and around us (Ps. 91:11-12). A bridge provided a way for us to cross the lake (John 14:6). There were ropes to steady us as we walked on the bridge (Is. 41:13). We could choose which path to take (Joshua 24:15). Markers on the trees showed us the way (Ps. 119:105).

Each day, as we go along our individual journeys, God’s word promises that He will be right there with us (Ps. 121:7-8). Look up these verses, and let them and others of your favorites, be an encouragement to you on a daily basis. The Bible is relevant to whatever you may face.