READ: PSALMS 23; 139

As I pull up to one of my favorite hiking locations along the shores of Lake Michigan, I take a deep breath. Intentionally, I leave my phone in the car and head to the trail with only my car keys. Five minutes in, I feel the stress and demands of the week begin to lessen.

Soft green leaves rustling in the breeze. Sunlight dappling the trees, cheery bird song beckoning. Scent of decomposing leaves, springy moss beneath my feet.

I step out from under the trees, and Lake Michigan waves in greeting. Perched high on a dune, bare feet in smooth sand, I recite once again: The Lord is my shepherd (inhale), I shall not want (exhale). He makes me lie down in green pastures (inhale), He leads me beside still waters (exhale). He restores my soul (inhale)...

I can feel it, that soul restoration that comes when I remove distractions, quiet my mind, focus my heart, and listen to my Jesus. Here, I am present and at peace. This isn’t a mindlessness, but a mindful fixation on being here with my Lord—walking with Him.

On the journey back, I ask Him: What do you want me to meditate on today? He brings Psalm 139 to mind, memorized years prior. I whisper each verse as I walk, considering. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. I lift my eyes to the treetops, and there before me, ten or fifteen feet above, hangs a wooden cross about the size of my hand.

I smile, surprised by joy again, unsurprised that He constantly shows me His love…sometimes I just need to slow down enough to see it. Years of hiking this very trail, and I’d never noticed, until I looked up. • Savannah Coleman

• No one needs to tell us that our world is high-tech and fast-paced, but we all need to be reminded that we are capable of taking a break from both the rush and the technology. What do you feel God might be prompting your heart to do in this area? Perhaps it’s turning your notifications off for an hour while you read the Bible and worship. Maybe it’s being out in nature and not bringing devices with you. Even if you can only take fifteen minutes away from your phone, do it. We all need to start somewhere. Consider asking God to give you an idea you can put into practice this week, or even today, that will help you rely less on technology and more on being present to His presence.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)