The Comforting Presence

Edale and the Derbyshire High Peak

Ever since my early teens I have loved walking in wild mountainous places. This is one of my favourite spots, a high wilderness plateau in the Peak National Park, reached by a long climb up the Grindsbrook valley. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty where, in the solitude, you can feel close to God. You need to go prepared though, as even in summer the weather can change dramatically and without warning, with the danger of becoming lost in a threatening featureless landscape. This particular day I arrived at the top after a tiring final scramble, to find a sheep waiting for me on a high rock.

There is nowhere we can go without the Lamb of God being there for us. Whether we’re in the loneliness of a desolate wilderness - geographical or emotional - the driest of the hottest desert, the deepest inner turmoil or the most trying circumstances, He is always there for us, to comfort, protect and give succour. He knows exactly what we need.

“You are all around me on every side” Psalm 139:5

Morning Sparkle

Grisedale, Cumbria

It was a cold October morning and I was in a hurry as I laced up my Zamberlan climbing boots. I wanted to make the most of my last day in the Lakeland hills. The storm clouds brooded overhead as I climbed up into Grisedale - not very promising! But as I levelled off into the valley, the clouds parted and shafts of crisp sunlight streaked from the craggy peaks. It was an exhilarating sight as the landscape came alive, just for me. It seemed like the sun was shining right into my heart and I felt refreshed and energised. I took photo after photo to capture that moment. I didn’t want to leave.

If we want to make the most of our day I find it’s vital to try and take time alone, long before the day dawns and make contact with God and allow the Son to warm our hearts. It’s different every time of course, but there’s always something fresh each morning, so we start the day energised and ahead of the world.

" new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23

Light in Our Darkness

The Black Mountain, Wales

This is the aptly named Black Mountain at the west end of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. It can appear foreboding as it broods above the little lake Llyn y Fan Fach . In certain climbing conditions I have found it a bit threatening with just a touch of fear lurking in the background.

Darkness is part of life, but when we experience our own dark threatening times, we may feel we want to escape or wish it would go away. However, when we acknowledge that Jesus is with us in the situation and we call upon Him, the light is switched on, the darkness is transformed and fear melts away.

“I am the light of the world” John 8:12