There is a lot of alone time when you are hiking. Even if I am with someone else, there is usually limited interaction, because I am exerting myself and I have no breath for talking. Also, I often hike narrow, steep paths that don’t allow me and a companion to travel side by side. So much of my hiking, whether with a friend or alone, is in silence. This silence has made hiking a time to contemplate spiritual matters and to connect with God.
The alternative to spending this time with God is to spend time alone with my thoughts. I have found that this is never the best idea. Without a focus on God and truth, my mind goes to ridiculous places. I often ruminate on the past and get myself irritated. My other pattern is to try to solve issues in the present while arguing and fighting with people that aren’t there, that don’t care and are unaware that I have an issue with them. As you can imagine, it is a much nicer hike if I make God my traveling companion.
So, I have made it a habit to start my hikes with prayer. The prayers flow easily because God has created so many beautiful things. The praise flows as I enjoy the splendor of my surroundings. It is good to meditate on God’s creativity and great power. It is a catalyst to praise and an exercise in humility. During my hiking prayers, I always find myself in awe that a God who is so big and so mighty cares about me.
As I hike, I happen upon great vistas with amazing views. Sometimes I can see for many miles, and not see one other person anywhere. In those times, I feel so small but so important. The Great Creator that made all that I see is there alone with me. How blessed am I? At that moment, it seems like I am the only person in the world, and it is just God and me making lovely memories.
As I head back to civilization and get on the freeway, I remember that there are over 7.5 billion people in the world. It is hard to fathom that God loves me so much that he would spend quiet time with me on the mountain. I am one individual among so many, and yet the Creator of the Universe meets with me. We enjoy a special and unique relationship. He values me so much that he listens to me as I talk to him. He answers my prayers. He saved me from my sin. He wants me to be in heaven with Him. He enjoys time with me.
I can’t wait to hike again.
“You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” (Psalm 65:5–8, NIV)