"I love to hike and go with my son-in-law, Ken and my buddy Larry," Pastor Dave Lyman tells us. "When we went on a winter hike in the mountains of New York State. These mountains are known for their beautiful white rock cliffs. This particular day was not only cold but the windiest day that I have ever been hiking, the winds were 60 mph and gusting higher.
I remember seeing Ken close to the edge of the 400 foot cliff. His right foot is off the ground, that is because the wind was so strong that it is blowing him backwards. This reminded me of a story about George Adam Smith who was a wonderful preacher and author. Once on a mountain - climbing tour of the Alps. Exhilarated by the thought of the view before him and the triumph of having gotten to the summit, George Adam Smith ran the last few yards to the top of the peak. Suddenly, a strong wind came up which threatened to blow him over the edge. From several feet away, his guide called to him, "Mr Smith, On your knees sir! The only way you're safe up here is on your knees!"
When storm winds blow, we often try to stand on our own two feet, in our own strength. We need to fall on our knees as Mr. Smith was advised to do.
"In the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, until the storms of destruction pass by." Psalm 57:1