God's Paths - A Photo Essay

 I enjoy mountain biking and hiking.  Spring is a great to of year to get back outside and enjoy fresh air and nature doing these things.  There are many references to God's Paths in the bible, and I've ended thinking about a number of them this year while biking and hiking this spring.

Some thoughts about paths and their significance in the Bible (at least from my perspective):

• There's a limit to how fast I can go on a path.  This forces me to observe and appreciate the nature around me.  Even when I'm biking a path, I'm going fast enough to miss things.  Walking a path allows me to recognize and treasure the amazing detail, colour, and diversity in God's creation so close to me.  It also reminds me of God's speed - something rather foreign to our 'microwave' 21st century lifestyles.
• Paths have been well travelled by many before us.  They made the way smoother, straighter and removed obstructions for us.  The people who have gone before us have 'made a way' - a legacy of sorts.  Hebrews 11 really speaks this to me - particularly with the author's finishing thoughts in chapter 12 talking about 'strengthening weak arms and knees and making level paths for your feet'.
• Generally paths are single file, good for following someone.  This is very applicable given Jesus command to his disciples:  'Follow me'

Some pictures of paths I've been on along with some accompanying scripture (a photo essay of sorts):

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
BeaverLodge Lands Park, Campbell River, British Columbia

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26
Glenbow Ranch, Cochrane, Alberta

God holds success in store for the upright,
He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones. 
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair -
every good path.  Proverbs 2:7-9
Nose Hill Park, Calgary, Alberta

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.  Psalm 25:4
Nose Hill Park, Calgary, Alberta

You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11
Glenmore Reservoir Park, Calgary, Alberta

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.  Psalm 119:9
Nose Hill Park, Calgary, Alberta

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.  Psalm 25:4
Bowmont Park, Calgary, Alberta

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6
The Elms Path, Glogowek, Poland

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. Psalms 23:3
BeaverLodge Lands Park, Campbell River, British Columbia

You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.
Psalm 18:35-36
Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.  Psalm 37:23
Nose Hill Park, Calgary, Alberta

This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls."
Jeremiah 6:16
Beddington Bluff, Calgary, Alberta

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
 Isaiah 55:8-9
SilverSprings Park, Calgary, Alberta