Even in the badlands, we can have hope

Recently I made a quick trip to Glendive, Montana. In three days I made the long round trip. It was tiring, but I was able to see parts of this nation I had never seen before. A part of my drive took me through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, which encompasses part of the Badlands. The scenery was breathtaking.

Yet, while the Badlands were awe-inspiring for me, I think that for indigenous peoples and early settlers, it filled them with more than awe. With steep slopes, ravines, and buttes, little vegetation or water, the vast landscape would be a place to stay away from. It is difficult to travel. There is little to survive on. It is a terrain where one could easily become injured. If I had to travel across it on foot, I would be afraid.

Badlands do not only describe physical terrain. That word can also be used to describe the hard times we face in life. It can encompass times of poor health, economic need, unemploymentand death. We are in a badland whenever we are anxious and afraid. Yet, even when we enter our own badlands, we can have hope – the hope that comes from knowing that God understands what we are going through and is present with us. God is there to guide us and give us the strength we need. And sometimes, it is while we are in the badlands that we are able to clearly see the power of God and be filled with awe.

“The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock – I take refuge in him! – he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety.”  Psalm 18:2