My head was down and my eyes were peeled for a buried rock, an exposed tree root, loose gravel—anything that might trip me up. After all, I didn’t want to fall or twist an ankle. Walking the canyon floor, Holy Spirit whispered, “Look around you. You are in My creation. Enjoy the journey.”
When you hike, it is easy to keep your mind so focused on the potential obstacles, that your concern for the unexpected spoils the sheer enjoyment of walking in nature.
Enjoying a hike matters as much the destination—more than steps counted, heart rate logged, or even the scenery.
With hiking as with life, the journey is often the destination. What I mean by that is when we stay too focused on making the cut, reaching a goal, or making deadline after deadline, we risk losing the joy of the journey.
Life is a journey. It is not an “out and back” kind of hike where you focus on reaching a summit, enjoy it for a time, and then head back to the trailhead. Life is a journey with ever changing scenery, challenges, and perspective. Like the apostle Paul, learn to be content wherever you are on your journey and you will increase your joy of the journey.
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11
I am encouraged to read that contentment can be learned. Even the great apostle had to learn how to be content in whatever he faced. In fact, in earlier verses Paul gives us a formula for staying content.
The first step in finding contentment is to worship and praise the Lord wherever you are.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
God is in each and every moment and step of your life. That in itself is enough to sing God’s praise. He is also your source of strength, peace, love, and whatever you have need of. That’s worth a shout of praise!
The second step is to thank the Lord right where you are on your journey.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 (emphasis mine)
When you bring your prayers and intercession to the Lord with thanksgiving, you are not thanking Him FOR the trials and tribulations you face. You are recognizing that God is in the midst of your life and is there to help you through your trial.
Practically this means taking moments to look around you and thank the Lord for what you see. Perhaps you are grateful for what He is doing in your heart. Maybe your gratitude can be focused on His provision—even if your job is not your dream job. Are you in a dark season? Thank the Lord that you know He is your Light, is present and is walking with you.
Finally, Paul shares another key in the lesson in contentment in verse eight when he tells us to watch what we focus on.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8
The Greek word for “dwell” in this verse is “logizomai.” It means more than a casual passing thought. It implies focus and even meditation.
When you focus on what is good in your life, you open the eyes of your heart to see where God is working in your life. You are able to worship Him and give thanks for what He is given you and is doing on your behalf.
The keys for enjoying the journey are worship, gratitude, and focused thoughts.
Apply the apostle Paul’s advice in reverse order and you will find yourself wrapped in a cloak of contentment as you enjoy each day on your journey.
Keep your mind focused on that which is excellent and worthy of praise.
Give thanks to the Lord for all His has done and is doing, even as you share your needs with Him.
Finally rejoice and worship the Lord.
It is wise to stay mindful of the pitfalls that you might encounter along life’s trail. However, remember that the hike is the destination. You won’t pass by this way again.
Enjoy the journey.