On a trip to the Grand Canyon years ago, my friend Stephanie and I took a long hike on the northern rim. Every so often, the wooded path led us out to a breathtaking view and we would stop and stare in awe. I will always remember one vista in particular.
A ledge of rock jutted out into the space, a perfect stage for a pose. I handed Steph my camera, hopped out onto the rock and spun around to face her, the wide canyon all around me. She lifted the camera to her eye and at the last moment I reached out and leaned my hand on a gnarly dead tree, wedged in the rock. The thing immediately gave way and fell into the abyss. The resulting photo shows a blushing young lady, wilted and mortified. What I felt was humiliation.
How could I have done something so stupid? Where was my head? I risked my life for a photo! I stood on a ledge where one false move could lead to death, and I chose to be reckless. And haven’t I leaned on dead, deficient, faulty things before in my life? Things not firmly rooted in God, my true rock? And didn’t these things lead to nowhere? Or worse? Do not waver, depend on God alone.
I depend on God alone; I put my hope in Him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter. Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8
Meeting God at the Park 