Finding God in the Wilderness

I just returned from a three-night, four-day spiritual trip deep in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains with my horse, MP, and it was the kind of experience that leaves you reflecting on life in a way that only the wilderness can. There's something about being out there—no distractions, no cell service—just me, MP, and the trail. Everything is simpler when you're in nature, and yet, the lessons you learn tend to be deeper and more lasting.

One of the highlights was crossing the Noland Divide Trail. The views from up there were breathtaking—standing so high up, surrounded by nothing but mountains, made me feel small and yet incredibly connected to God's creation. It reminded me of Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Looking at that view, it was clear that every inch of creation was shouting God's glory, reminding me of His power, His creativity, and His care.

MP and I camped for two nights beside a stream, hoping to catch some fish, but thanks to a sudden drop in temperature, I didn’t catch a single one. The cold air was biting, and the fire became my best friend at night. There's something about sitting by a fire in the wilderness that feels timeless—just you, the warmth of the flames, and the stillness of the night. The cold pressed in, but the time spent by that fire gave me a warmth that went beyond the physical. It gave me time to reflect and reconnect with God.

Each morning and evening, I’d spend time in the Word, soaking up the quiet moments in prayer and reflection. Being out there with no distractions made it easier to hear God’s voice, though, to be honest, I was half hoping for some kind of dramatic revelation. You know, a burning bush moment, or maybe even MP talking like Balaam’s donkey. But nothing like that happened. Instead, God gave me something quieter—a deeper understanding of where I am in life and who I want to become. And the funny thing is, the answers were simple, even though we often make them more complicated.

What I realized is this: we need to talk to Jesus about everything. Not just in the big moments when life gets tough or when we’re at church, but in the small, everyday moments too. Every decision, every thought, every action. We need to bring it all to Him. As a husband, a father, and a man, I need to lead my family with a godly perspective, not just by what I say, but by how I live. Ephesians 5:25 tells us, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” That’s no small task. Jesus gave everything for the church—sacrificing His life. Am I loving my wife with that same level of sacrifice and selflessness? Am I leading my children with the same grace, patience, and love that Christ shows us?

It’s easy to get caught up in what we think we deserve—respect, help, acknowledgment—but the truth is, we need to be asking ourselves what we’re giving to others. Instead of focusing on what we expect from our families or friends, we need to focus on what we’re providing. Matthew 7:3 is a humbling reminder: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” It’s always easier to point the finger than to reflect inward, but that’s exactly what we need to do.
As I sat by the fire, I prayed for the strength to lead my family well. Not just as a leader, but as a servant—someone who loves and cares for them like Christ does. God didn’t give me a grand vision on my trip, but He did give me clarity: First focusing everything on Christ. I also need to be more tender, more focused on loving my family and friends intentionally. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what others should be doing, but the harder and more necessary work is looking inward and asking God to change me.

The truth is, as men, we often look outward instead of looking in. Honestly, that is probably my greatest weakness. We get distracted by the world’s expectations and forget to take time to ask ourselves if we’re truly living for God. Are we just going through the motions, or are we being transformed by Christ? Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That transformation starts when we spend time with God, letting Him work on the areas of our lives that need attention.

This trip reminded me of how important it is to step away from the noise of life and spend time alone with God. Whether it’s out in the wilderness, on a quiet walk, or even sitting in your backyard, it’s crucial to take time to reflect. Are we really walking with God, or are we just playing the part? The wilderness strips away all the distractions and forces you to confront what’s really going on in your heart. And what I realized is that I need to be talking to Jesus all the time—not just when things are hard, but in everything I do.

This time away also made me realize how crucial it is for us, as men, to lead our families by example. Our families need to see us walking closely with Jesus, not just on Sunday mornings or the next Church function, not just in the big decisions but in the everyday moments. They need to see us seeking God’s will, loving with patience, and leading with humility. When we do that, everything else falls into place.
                 
So no, I didn’t get a burning bush or a talking horse, but I got something better. I got time to reflect on my life and hear God’s gentle reminder that it’s not about the big moments—it’s about the daily walk with Him. As men, we need to embrace that daily walk, not just for ourselves but for our families. Let’s lead our homes with love, grace, and a steady reliance on God.

And maybe next time, I’ll catch a fish!