Broad Places

   Hiking in the Rocky Mountains can be an exhilarating experience. The beauty of God’s creative design is as evident there as in nearly any place. Some trails lead to tedious, even precarious, situations. Occasionally, following a particularly difficult and constraining stretch, a trail might open into a broad, open space–perhaps, a meadow beautifully decorated with brightly-colored flowers or a gently-flowing waterfall emerging from an unusual rock formation in the side of the mountain. Such experiences fill the heart and send the spirit soaring in praise to the One who made it all.

Such images come to mind when reading what David wrote in Psalm 18:19: “He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.” Other psalms express similar thoughts and, as in this psalm, are couched in the context of distress (Ps. 31:8; 118:5). For the child of God there is always something better just around the corner. He has a great future in store for those who faithfully endure the hardships of life (Hb. 10:36). Ultimately, that reward, described as “an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17), transcends this life. But, even now, there are joys along the way as we rest in the broad places along our path. Even in distress, we have cause for rejoicing in the character-building benefits produced by such difficulties (Jas. 1:2-4; Rm. 5:3-5). Because God will not tempt us beyond our strength, we can rest secure in the shelter of His enduring promises knowing that He is faithful and will always provide our way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). He will never desert or forsake us; but remains, as always, our helper, sustainer, confidant, and friend (Hb. 13:5-6).

These broad places along the trail provide much-needed opportunities for reflection and relief. But they are also intended to be launching pads from which we proceed into even greater adventures as we trust in the presence of God and the power of His word. Following his deliverance out of “the pit of destruction” and the “miry clay”, David praised God for setting his “feet upon a rock” and “making his footsteps firm” (Ps. 40:2). In addition to that, he said, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to God…” (vs. 3). Songs of deliverance can be found throughout the Scriptures–songs expressing joy and trust. We can each add a verse as we pass through such broad places hand in hand with our loving Savior.

Glen Eliot