Compostella pilgrimage trail, Le Puy en Velay to Conques. Elevation range 585m (1919ft)to 2000m (6562ft). 10 days, over 100 miles hiked, with a 35 pound pack. Tenting along the country side of France every night was insane. Could not have completed the hike without a first aid kit, Gerber multi tool, snickers, a good pair of Nikes, and lots and lots of prayer. I was one of the lucky ones who never got a blister, thank you Jesus. With so many mountains and valleys you couldn’t help but see the beauty that surrounded us. It was some of the most incredible scenery I’ve ever seen. There were so many moments where I had to stop and try to take in the beauty that was in front of me. Over and over again I felt like I was walking through a painting. Many moments being left speechless. And just when I thought there was no way it could get any better, the next mountain would prove me wrong. It is impossible to be out in creation and not thank God for the works of His hands. But be careful when you do that because He might just overwhelm you with truth.
I was in the middle of thanking Him for being so creative and I was blown away with the idea that only some people get to enjoy this view. All the pilgrims who choose to journey this route and the few farmers that farm the land get to see it. It is absolutely breathtaking and the pictures below do not do it justice. In that moment God responded to me saying these views are nothing. What? God, are we looking at the same thing? I disagree these views are breathtaking. God said, “Yes, these views by themselves are breathtaking but when compared to you they are nothing.” Ummm hold up I don’t think I can comprehend what you are saying. “I created all that you see and it’s a masterpiece but you are so much more valuable and beautiful to me then the land around you.” That is where I just stopped and cried. It was too much. It was overwhelming love. It was more than I could handle. To this moment every time I think of the beauty I saw, I cry. Oh how He loves us. He chooses us. He desires that we choose Him. When I thought that was all He had left to say for the day He drew me to Psalm 139: 1-18 TPT (my favorite psalm).
1“ Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
2 You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
3–4 You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
5 You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me.
6 This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face?
8 If I go up to heaven, you’re there!If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too!
9 If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting!
10 Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me.
11 It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.
12 There is no such thing as darkness with you. The night, to you, is as bright as the day; there’s no difference between the two.
13 You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother’s womb.
14 I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex! Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking. It simply amazes me to think about it! How thoroughly you know me, Lord!
15 You even formed every bone in my body when you created me in the secret place, carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something.
16 You saw who you created me to be before I became me! Before I’d ever seen the light of day, the number of days you planned for me were already recorded in your book.
17–18 Every single moment you are thinking of me! How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you’re still with me.”
You are fully loved.
You are fully known.
You are fully seen.
You are enough.
You are all the God wants.
You are never alone.
If you’ve been struggling with feeling loved, known, seen, wanted, or alone turn to Jesus. He already knows and sees you. He wants to meet with you. He wants you to know how loved you are. Just ask Him and He will be there for you.
Lord, I ask that you surround the person reading this. I ask that you make your love become so tangible to them. Lord, please meet them where they are and open their eyes to the works of your hands. Jesus I ask that you blow their socks off. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Here are just a few pictures of the views along they way. Enjoy:
