While in Arizona several years ago, I visited a canyon for a hike with a friend. We began around midday and estimated that the hike would take three to four hours. After reaching our destination, we decided to take a different route back. Several hours later, we realized we had missed the turnoff for the parking lot and did not know where we were. We backtracked and tried to find the correct trail, but could not. There were no other hikers around and no signs to guide us. 

It was now late in the day and beginning to get dark and cold, and we were tired. I called 911 for help but could not explain where we were in the park. The person I spoke to said they would call back.

As we waited, I had moments of uncertainty and even fear, so I reached out to God for courage and strength. As I began to feel God’s presence, the fear lifted. I knew that we were never out of His sight, that our Father-Mother God would not abandon us, and that we were “under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalms 91:1).