Two days in the Smoky Mountains — just me, God, and His breathtaking creation. I came expecting rest, but God had more in mind. He spoke to my spirit through still waters, roaring streams, towering mountains, and the quiet moments in between. Every sight became a sermon, every sound a sacred echo of His truth.
Still Waters & Streams
As I sat beside a stream, the words of Psalm 23:2 washed over me:
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
The calm of those waters reminded me that peace is found not in a place, but in the presence of the Shepherd. He quiets the noise of our lives and leads us gently to places where our souls can breathe again.
Hollow Trees & Uprooted Roots
I saw trees that were completely hollow inside — and I couldn’t help but reflect how we, too, can be hollow without God. Outwardly whole, yet inwardly empty.
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” – 2 Timothy 3:5
Then, I noticed massive trees that had been uprooted, their roots exposed and tangled. In that moment, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper:
“I am a thorough God. In deliverance, I don’t prune the surface — I uproot what’s been hidden for generations.”
Matthew 15:13 says, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.”
Deliverance is God’s love at work — pulling up what has bound us for far too long. It may feel like exposure, but it’s actually freedom.
A Mama’s Heart
Watching a moose and her calf, and a mama bear with her cubs, I was struck by the instinctive love and protection these mothers had.
It reminded me of how fiercely God loves us. Even nature reflects His character.
Isaiah 66:13: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”
His heart toward us is tender, protective, nurturing. He draws near when we need Him most.
Freedom in Christ
The mountain air was fresh, the views wide open — like the kind of freedom only Christ gives.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
True freedom isn’t found in running from pain or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s in allowing Jesus to go deep — to uproot, to heal, and to restore what has been broken.
Takeaway
Sometimes the clearest revelations come in the quiet places, when we slow down long enough to see God’s fingerprints in the natural world. If He takes care of the streams, the trees, and the animals — how much more will He care for you?
Let Him lead you beside still waters. Let Him do the deep, healing work. Let Him show you His heart — a heart that frees, restores, and fiercely loves.