“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4
Ever made a plan or a promise at a retreat, conference, or summer camp just to come home and fall flat on your face? I know I have, more times then I’d like to count. We all have, but why? What’s the deal? After being in the Christian camping industry for 7 years the phase “a summit experience” makes me roll my eyes. However, these cliche’s though annoying–are true. When at the summit, your perspective is a grand view where problems seem small and possibilities seem big. Have you ever noticed though, that not much vegetation life is found at the summits of mountains? Summits are great places to visit but poor places to live. The Valley is where we live and good thing because it is in the valley that we find rivers, crops, and fruit. The view from the mountain top helps us shape our faith but the valley is where we put our faith into action. It is in the valley that love, hope, joy, peace, patience and the other fruits of the spirit are grown. Don’t avoid the valleys but let the “rod” and the “staff” guide and comfort you.
CHALLENGE
Pull out those notes and revisit some of the thoughts that you have had from a retreat or conference.
Where have you seen the rod and the staff?
How long has it been since your last summit?
By Marcus Corey | Lincoln, NH