mount barney park is an ideal place for landscape photography. Even from the road, the views of these mountains are wonderful. There are plenty of trails in this park
mount barney park is an ideal place for landscape photography. Even from the road, the views of these mountains are wonderful. There are plenty of trails in this park

by The Moderator, Rev Bruce Moore

I remember a moment in my teenage years when I was hiking at Mt Barney with a few mates.  It was a beautiful day - clear skies, great views! The country was all familiar to me as I had enjoyed trekking here on several other occasions.

But out of nowhere, the weather changed, and a thick fog rolled in. The trail disappeared before our eyes; we couldn’t tell left from right. Every step felt risky!! Then I remembered that I had a compass as part of my survival kit in my backpack. It didn’t clear the fog, but it gave us a point of reference, together with our trusty map to find our way safely down the steep terrain.  One step at a time, we followed the direction until we were down the mountain and into the clear.

Life can be a lot like that. Sometimes we hit patches where everything feels uncertain. We’re not sure what to do next. It might be a decision we’re facing, a relationship that’s strained, or just a sense that we’re lost.

In moments like that, I’m reminded of something Jesus said as recorded in the gospel of John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, The Spirit will guide you into all truth.”  This is not about instant answers or clear skies… it is about God giving us the Holy Spirit to walk with us, speak to our hearts and lead us… one faithful step at a time. Whether you are a person of faith or not, I think that idea speaks to all of us. There’s something in us, or around us, that wants to guide us toward what’s real, what’s right, and what gives us peace. Not a voice shouting from the clouds, but more like a whisper in your heart. That quiet nudge when something feels right, or not quite right.

The apostle Paul in Romans 5:3-5 says that we can even rejoice in our sufferings, because they produce endurance, character and ultimately, hope.  This hope doesn’t disappoint us because “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit”. The Spirit of Truth doesn’t just whisper what is right… the Spirit reminds us who we are – deeply loved, never alone, and part of God’s bigger story.

Just like the trust that I had to place in my compass to navigate my way safely in the fog, we are invited to trust the Spirit within us.  God in Spirit doesn’t shout above the noise, but speaks in the stillness, in Scripture, in moments of peace we can’t explain.

So maybe you’re walking through some fog today. Maybe you’re trying to figure out your next step. You don’t need all the answers right now. But what if the Spirit of Truth is already guiding you, gently, patiently, step by step?  Maybe you’re not lost, you’re being led?

So, wherever you find yourself today, whether you’re full of faith or full of questions, know this: the Spirit of Truth is not far off, it’s a voice you can trust. It’s already closer than you think and still guiding all of us, toward what is true.

It is my prayer that you might find that peace, the peace that only the Spirit of God can bring.

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