There was never a need to search for you. You have always been present, watching over me. Though I was a chaser of dreams, dreams you allowed me to dream, troubles you allowed me to get into, always, you were with me, and you rescued me. Why did it take me so long to realize who you are and how much you have done for one such as me? I had only to look at your creation to find you.
I’m walking along the trail today. I can’t wait to get to the place where the tree bows bend toward each other. Now thick and leafy green, the branches from the trees on either side meet above. They form a beautiful archway. That’s what I see in them as I approach the lovely spot where they come into view. They beckon and welcome me into the quiet and cool comfort they offer. Beautiful, quietly welcoming, like you.
I think about other arches. The national park in Utah with over two thousand arches is an amazing place of grandeur and breath-taking, lasting beauty. These are not manmade but formed as part of your plan by your loving hands. And why did you place them? It would seem they are for our pleasure, our pondering, our study, our respect. Grand, breath-taking, lasting, worthy, calling for study and respect, like you.
Man has studied arches and copied their design. We have built bridges utilizing the architectural wonder that they are. They give strength and weight-bearing support to span great distances without the need of intermediary help. A wonder of strength and support going any distance for us, with no need of help, like you.
Romans 10:15, NIV, states “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace.” Indeed, our feet are beautiful and a marvel of workmanship. Just look at the marvel of the human foot. At its core is an amazing arch. Actually, there are two arches. The medial longitudinal arch absorbs stress and evenly distributes weight. The lateral longitudinal arch helps to maintain balance and stability. And so, we are able to walk uprightly. The arches absorb our stress, carry our weight, give balance and stability, enable us to walk uprightly, like you. Genesis 1:7-8A, BBE gives a beautiful meaning of the arch. It says, “And God made the arch for a division between the waters which were under the arch and those which were over it: and it was so.
And God gave the arch the name of heaven.” How lovely!
I’m approaching the place in the trail where I can see the beautiful archway beckoning me. I’m drawn toward it and my feet break into a run. I imagine the trees as so many well-wishers, arms joining overhead, encouraging and cheering me in at the end of my race. Someday, when my race is truly run, I hope to find such well-wishers encouraging, cheering, welcoming me into the great arch which is heaven. There I will see my Lord, the one who has victoriously made my entrance possible. Praise and glory and honor be to you forever and ever! Thank you, Lord, that you cheer me on and lead me home. There was never a need to search for you. You have always been all around and now within.