Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Those Annoying Thickets

Matthew took my hand, hoisting me onto the moss-embellished boulder. Matthew. My son. My mountain man.

For the previous hour we had made our way through thickets, slippery mountain rocks, and underbrush so dense I didn't know what I was stepping on. Sunlight filtered through lanky pine groves that led us into shadows black and murky.

I didn't have a clue what the reward for this exhausting escapade would be, but Matthew knew - and he couldn't wait for me to experience it. I gripped his hand and we trudged on.

Matthew led me to the top of the ridge. Below us the river ribboned through the valley. Lacy evergreens bowed along its edge. Mountain pasture land tumbled in and out of the forest where bright sunshine met shadows once again. The mountain range melted into a blue haze along the horizon, taking my breath away.

The Lord reminded me of a favorite journal entry from A. J. Russell's God Calling: 

"See not the small trials and vexations of each hour of the day. See the one purpose and plan to which all are leading. If in climbing a mountain you keep your eyes on each stony or difficult place, as you ascend, seeing only that, how weary and profitless your climb!

"But if you think of each step as leading to the summit of achievement, from which glories and beauties will open out before you, then your climb will be so different."

Matthew encouraged me to keep going when the going became too difficult. I felt his strong hand in mine keeping me from harm. I learned to keep looking up at the radiating sunbeams cascading through the forest shadows, instead of concentrating on the brambles trying to grab my ankles. I learned to trust my steps because Matthew was my guide.

My guide took me to mountain heights with beauty my heart could barely conceive.

A few times I wanted to give up.

I could've said no.

I might have missed the glory on the ridge by complaining of the climb.

I could've, but I didn't. I love Matthew and he loves me. I trust him.

I trust Jesus, too.

"For I, the Lord your God, 

will hold your right hand, saying to you,

 'Fear not, I will help you.'" ~ Isaiah 41:13

Fear not, little one. The Lord is by your side, holding your hand and leading you to heights unknown. Trust Him. Focus on His beautiful face and the glory before you. It will make all the bumps and bruises of the climb worthwhile.

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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring an EXTRAORDINARY video of Eva Cassidy singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". You may think you know this song (it's one of my favorites), but you've NEVER heard it sung like this. Sit back. Relax. Let the Lord bless you.