How To Carry That Backpack

 

But the LORD is

a refuge to His people,

a stronghold

   to the people of Israel.

               Joel 3. 16

(When we hiked in the

wild mountains of Italy,

we found places of nourishing

   called refugios,

huts and roughsawn lodges

        where to rest

    before we carried on.

A refuge in scripture

is also a place

     of strengthening

  from which to go forth.

But God does not just

           nurture us

   and send us on our way.

He goes with us and carries

   what is too heavy for us.

Let Me have that.

Direct it to Me.

This is how to carry 

   that backpack of cares.

Anxiety is just trying

          to go it alone.)

O LORD,

You do not just give us a trail.

You give us Your Presence.

Walk with us

  on this rocky path,

     steep and scary.

Hold our hand.

Provide for us today

a refuge of some kind,

the assurance of

            Your Presence,

not just snacks for the journey,

but strength for today

 and bright hope for tomorrow.