Mt. Stewart from Longs Pass, Washington
Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord in the wilderness. He said,
“A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare a way for the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God… And the glory of the Lord will be revealed” (Isaiah 40:3, 5).
Stillwater Reservoir in the Flat Tops Wilderness of Colorado
In this vision, the glory of the Lord originated in the wilderness. From there it traveled to a place where “all people will see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).
Skutumpah Road near Cannonville, Utah
When we go into the wilderness, we have the opportunity to experience the glory of the Lord. In being in the things that God created, we have the option to connect with that glory and for it to rest upon us.
Spooky Slot, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Then, when we come out of the wilderness, we can become part of the “highway” that brings the glory to our everyday lives: our homes, our workplaces and schools, our churches, our friendships and communities.
Hidden Lake from the slopes of Reynolds Mountain, Glacier National Park, Montana
We think, “I don’t have influence. How can I bring the glory of the Lord with me from the wilderness so that it is revealed?”
Grand Canyon from Mather Point, Arizona
The interesting thing about glory is that it’s sticky. Once it has stuck to you, you will leave a little glory every place you go. I have spoken with people who have tangibly experienced the glory of the Lord, and each has said that when they left the place of glory, everyone was looking at them like they were crazy or glowing or something.
Daisies and Lupines along the Summit Trail, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
Glory changes you. Glory sticks to you. Glory goes with you, and everyone you touch or look at or speak with is touched with the glory you have experienced.
Phantom Ship Overlook, Crater Lake, Oregon
“They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35:2, 6, 1-2).
Beautiful, Anne! The photos are so gorgeous. The best thing about hiking and nature, besides the complete zen you get, is that you get to see and experience God’s beauty all around you. With nature, you get to constantly come face to face with awesomeness of God’s hand. It never ceases to just blow me away!
Totally Amen, Ashley!