When you're in trouble, where do you go for shelter?

Have you ever been in trouble?

If anyone can answer "no", let me know.  We've all been in some sort of trouble or at least had a troubling situation for which we've gone to someone for help, assistance, advice, a listening ear.

Where did you go for shelter?

Well, that might depend on how old you were and what kind of trouble you were in.  When I was young, I'd run to my parents.   Throughout my life, there have been teachers, coaches, friends, colleagues, pastors, doctors, family, etc. who have been there for me through times of trouble.

A few weeks ago when we were hiking the Mowbray Pike Trailhead portion of the Cumberland Trail, I took this picture looking up through the trees.   I enjoy capturing all aspects of the hike "on film". 

This past week a friend reminded me that 'when you are in the midst of the forest, you can look up and take your troubles to God'.  I thought of this picture that I took a few weeks back.  I also thought of a certain scripture that mentions hills, rather than skies.

 ¹  I lift up my eyes to the hills—
       where does my help come from?

 ² My help comes from the LORD,
       the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber;

 ⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
       the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

 ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;

 ⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore.

~ Psalm 121 (NIV)

When I'm in trouble or needing help, do I look up to the hills?

I would say I've gotten better at it over the years.  I would say that sometimes I will take things quicker to God more now than in the past.  I still seek help from friends, family, doctors, pastors, etc., but I try to take the situation to God first.

When I left Long Island (back in 1989) to head back south to teach at a private college, my friend and pastor wrote this in my Bible: "May your walk with the Lord continue to grow-- knowing always that when you reach up-- Jesus will be there to take your hand!" 

Those words have carried me through many difficult times on my journey.

In order to reach up, I must first look up.  Meaning I must look beyond my own capabilities to handling or dealing with a situation.

It has been a learning experience.  An ongoing learning experience.  Just like any other relationship, sometimes I do well in keeping the communication lines open and sometimes I don't.   There are close intimate days and there are not so close days. 

For those "not so close days", I know that there is forgiveness, grace, and mercy.  A verse that comes to mind is 1 John 1:9 (NIV)-- "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

Look up.  Reach up.  Confess and seek forgiveness as needed. Grab hold of the hand reaching out to yours. 

For me, the journey continues to be an adventure...... how about yours?

~Debra