The Hiker's Prayer

The Hikers Prayer

Adapted from the 23rd Psalm

The LORD is my guide,

I have all that I need,

He leads me to rest in green meadows,

He leads me along trickling streams,

He strengthens me,

He guides me down smooth trails,

Reminding me of His devotion,

As I hike through valleys shadowed by storms,

I fear no misfortune, for You are my guide,

Your well-worn staff shows Your experience,

And I take comfort,

You prepare a feast for me,

At the end of a long treacherous day,

You sooth me with a hot drink,

Surely Your goodness and care,

Will always be there,

And I will follow in Your footsteps,

Every day of my life.

- By David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 18: Resting Soundly

Key Verse

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭WEB‬‬

Lesson

Humans do not have natural external insulation. We have no covering outside our skin like most other animals do such as fur or feathers. This requires us to wear clothes to help stay warm and dry. When we stay outside at night, our bodies need even more insulation because our bodies cool down while sleeping. Smart people a long time ago figured out the best way to stay warm outside at night is to use a sleeping bag. What thoughts does a sleeping bag bring to mind? Make a list.

Your list probably includes things like warm, cozy, or comfortable. Did your list include things like sleep, rest, or refreshing? How about heavy? We might complain about having to carry a heavy sleeping bag, but when night comes and we are tired we are always glad to have a sleeping bag to crawl into.

A sleeping bag is a perfect symbol for rest and rejuvenation. A sleeping bag provides all the parts necessary for making sleep possible outside. It provides a barrier to the outside world and it provides insulation against cold temperatures. It even provides some cushion that makes sleep more comfortable. Jesus promised in Matthew 11:28 that when we come to him he would provide rest for us. He provides all the all the things we are lacking and takes our worries and stress so that we can experience true rest from the cares of this world by trusting in him.

Questions

Do you ever fell tired from dealing with all the struggles of life?

Can we share our struggles and burdens with others? Will this help us bear them more easily?

Why do we try to carry all of our struggle on our own when Jesus promised to give us rest?

Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: contributor to www.freegreatpicture.com