There are days when I want to escape.
Not because I don’t love what God has called me to do, but because ministry can become exhausting. Deadlines pile up. Responsibilities multiply. The demands of serving others can quietly drain the very soul that’s trying to pour into everyone else.
It’s easy to think, If I could just get away for a few days… if I could just find a mountain cabin… if I could just breathe fresh air again… then I’d feel alive.
There’s certainly a place for retreat. Even Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray. But I’ve learned something over the years.
The mountain isn’t the only place where God meets His children.
I’ve discovered Him in hospital rooms, in church production booths, behind cameras, in airport terminals, and in the quiet moments before a busy day begins. I’ve found that the Holy Spirit doesn’t wait for my circumstances to become ideal before filling my heart with His presence.
Sometimes all I have is a few quiet minutes before the day begins. Sometimes that’s enough.
The adventure isn’t postponed until my schedule clears. It begins the moment I become aware that Christ is with me.
I’ve watched people worship in the middle of difficult seasons. I’ve seen joy rise in places where, by every human measure, it shouldn’t have existed. Those moments remind me that the presence of God isn’t limited to mountaintops. He walks with us into the ordinary places of life and transforms them into holy ground.
Maybe today you can’t head to the mountains.
Maybe today your mountain is a classroom, an office, a grocery store, a church nursery, a factory floor, a production booth, or a room full of responsibilities that only you can carry.
Don’t underestimate what God can do there.
The same Lord who reveals Himself on a quiet hillside is able to meet you exactly where you are. His peace isn’t tied to a location. His presence isn’t reserved for vacations or retreats. He comes to those who seek Him, wherever they may be.
So if your heart longs for the mountains today, don’t wait until you can pack your bags.
Lift your eyes to the One who made the mountains.
You may discover that the place you’ve been trying to escape is the very place where He intends to meet you.
Scripture
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1–2 (KJV)
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
Prayer
Lord, I pray that we would not spend our lives trying to escape life, but instead learn to get the very most out of every single day You’ve given us. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that great is Your faithfulness.
Father, I thank You for every friend reading these words today. I stand with them, and I agree with them for a great day. Give each one courage. Give each one spiritual discernment to recognize that You are with them in every moment—at work, at school, at home, or wherever You’ve placed them today.
And more than anything, Lord, fill us with the joy of the Lord. Let Your joy become our strength in everything we do.
We ask it in the mighty name of Jesus.
Amen.
Go with God, y’all.