Deafening- All other sounds surrendered. Thousands of gallons of water- thundering, cascading, crashing over a massive rock wall and filling the river. Not just water- it was fresh spring water of the purest kind, and in abundance.  My mind went back over the 1 hour long hike we had just accomplished in order to see these falls.

Me: Hot, tired, sore, out of breath, thirsty, hungry, weak- and the list goes on.

The trail: Rough, muddy, rocky, uneven, wet, roots sticking up everywhere, slippery, LONG!

Oh, did I mention that the entire trail was downhill? Downhill is brutal– every step is braced and carefully chosen so as not to end up like Jack and Jill.

But oh, the surprise that was waiting for those who pressed on. “Interesting,” I thought to myself…”This gorgeous waterfall display is not in plain view for everyone who drives or bikes by. It’s not easily accessible to people who would simply glance and walk away.” There is no sign at the entrance of the trail that says “Beautiful waterfall ahead for those who make it through the treacherous underbrush.”

Ah, no. This treasure is reserved for those who are willing to do a 2 hour hike (1 hour there and 1 hour back). Still other falls are reserved for those who will do a 4-6 hour hike. Not for the faint of heart. We had to navigate the rough trail, and hidden in the middle of a mountain was a beautiful treasure for those who will seek.  “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

We often have to walk the path of trials to find the beautiful treasures of God’s Word, and better yet, His Person.

God and His Word are beautiful in our lives when all is well. But when the trials come….oh, how precious His Words become. Like a lifeline, they alone bring us the comfort and peace that we need to keep going.

Sometimes in the middle of our pain, the sound of many waters comes flowing, thundering, crashing, cascading into our souls.

Deafening- All other sounds surrender. The voice of the Lord, greater than the sound of many waters. (Psalm 93:4) It comes through loud and clear. We know exactly what He wants us to learn.

And with the lesson comes love. The “perfect love casteth out fear” kind.