Mountains, Waterfalls, and the Wonder of God’s Word
Our family recently spent a week revisiting Colorado Springs. Fourteen years have passed since we lived in the area. While driving around the city, we recognized a few landmarks, but many had faded from memory. Much has changed, for our family and for many of the places we once loved.
The zoo’s entrance currently sits behind construction fences. The original gate, which welcomed guests with giraffes just inside, no longer functions as the starting point. This unexpected detour wore us out by lunchtime. Seven Falls had also changed. Guests now park off-site and take a shuttle, which still requires a mile-long walk to the Falls. Even the Summit House on Pikes Peak has undergone upgraded extreme makeover since our last visit.
I planned to use a previous post, “The Longest Psalm,” for an upcoming Wavemaker newsletter. As I sat down to work on the final edits, I realized that Psalm 119 came alive throughout our entire vacation. From rocky cliffs to dark caves, from waterfalls to mountaintops, even from ghost towns and penny arcades–every experience brought some part of this psalm to mind.
🕯️ Light in the Darkness – Cave of the Winds
Inside the Cave of the Winds, we followed narrow paths through shadowy chambers. Only light guided our way. In one room of the cave, they turn out all the lights, leaving you in complete darkness. You cannot see your hand right in front of your face.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
In life’s darkest places, God’s Word leads us forward—one step at a time.
🗿 Unshakable Truth – Garden of the Gods
Massive rock formations towered overhead at the Garden of the Gods. They stood unmoved, solid and ancient. This is probably our favorite place in the Springs, not only because it is free, but because it is so majestic. I probably took the most pictures of these enormous red rocks, even though I’ve taken many pictures of them in the past. God, the Creator of all things, placed evidence of Himself on this earth for us to see His glory and handiwork.
“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89)
God’s truth holds steady, no matter what changes around us.
🚞 Seeking the Heights – Pikes Peak Cog Railway
We climbed Pikes Peak by train. The ride lifted us higher and higher until we reached the summit. As we increased in altitude, the temperature dropped. A comfortable day to walk around in historic Manitou Springs became a snow-covered mountain top experience, with biting wind and cold. The snow was packed over our heads (fortunately, someone keeps the walkways cleared). When you look at the panoramic view, you see the Continental Divide on one side and as far as Kansas on the other.
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.” (Psalm 119:32)
God not only gives direction, but He also elevates our view and shows us life through His lens.
💧 A Heart That Flows – Seven Falls
Water poured down the rocky cliff at Seven Falls—relentless, beautiful, and full of purpose. Even though the trout bed below showed signs of drought, the cascade above remained strong and steady. After the mile-long walk, the cool mist on our faces brought welcome refreshment.
That moment brought Psalm 119:136 to life: “Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.”
Just as the water refused to stop flowing, the psalmist’s grief was constant and deep, born from seeing people turn away from God’s Word. His tears weren’t dramatic or performative. They were real, uncontainable, like the falls themselves.
Do our hearts ache in the same way? Are we moved, not just to sadness but to action, when others ignore God’s truth? The psalmist didn’t just cry; he cared deeply, and so should we.
⛏️ Treasure in the Deep – Mining Museum
Old tools, a walk-through mill, and machinery at the mining museum told stories of people who dug deep for treasure. One section of the museum is like a cave with old mine carts, and a soundtrack of pickaxes hitting the rock echoes through the hallway. The next room is filled with luminescent gems under a blacklight.
“I seek you with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:10)
Finding God’s truth takes effort and focus. The deeper we dig, the more we discover about His character, including how He values us!
🎠 Delight in the Small Things – Penny Arcade
Our kids laughed and played in the penny arcade. We joined them, laughing and playing just as hard. We loved the old skeeball, rather than the electronic versions nowadays. The simplicity of the game brought out pure joy in all of us.
“Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111)
God invites us to experience His Word with childlike joy. His truth isn’t a chore, it’s a delight that renews hearts, no matter our age.
👻 Faith Alive – Ghost Town Museum
Buildings and artifacts in the ghost town reminded us of what once thrived but no longer exists. Industry and technology swept through the Wild West, creating busy cities with commerce. The simple ways were all but forgotten. We often only think about history in terms of a story, rather than events that happened in our world at not always in the distant past.
“I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:16)
Just as we study history, we must dedicate ourselves to studying His Story. Faith must remain active. God’s Word keeps it alive.
🦁 Wonderfully Made – The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Each animal at the zoo revealed God’s intricate design and creativity. The giraffe exhibit has long been my favorite at this zoo. The construction was disappointing in many ways. One of the fun things about the original entrance was giraffe statues of various colors and sizes that the kids could play on, but each also had a giraffe fact. It was up to me to share what I remembered. For example, giraffes’ tongues are black as a form of sunscreen, and the pattern on a giraffe is as unique as our fingerprints.
“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.” (Psalm 119:73)
We, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made. God’s Word helps us understand why. He knows every hair on our head, calls us by name, and knows each of our needs before we can ask. Who wouldn’t want to love a Father like that?
🤝 Rekindled Fellowship – Reconnecting with Friends
One of the best parts of our trip was reconnecting with old friends at the church we once called home. Despite it being a Wednesday night, we gathered for Bible class and fellowship, and it felt like no time had passed.
“I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.” (Psalm 119:63)
Faith is not only personal. Our faith is dependent on a community. We cannot confess or encourage one another if we are not together. Fellowship rooted in God’s Word brings joy, peace, and strength to our relationships and our faith.
👨👩👧 Family Togetherness – Time Set Apart
This trip gave us a sacred time together. While my husband still had to work for a few minutes each day, we had him all to ourselves for five whole days. We were able to just spend time together.
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” (Psalm 119:37)
Moments away from the world restore more than just energy—they restore our souls. God uses rest to remind us of what truly matters.