A BOX CANYON can be a hazardous place, except for some special purpose, like looking for stray cows or lost yearlings. I was saddle riding on the Pinos Altos Range near the Gila Cliff Dwelling in southwestern New Mexico. We had decided to break up for the day. I did not have a compass; but the sun was bright and clear. For some reason I had decided to ride a good mule instead of a horse. As the day was ending, I was farther from camp than I had intended. I was accustomed to the mountains, and I knew that I should ride in to camp before dark. The shortest way was up through a canyon; but if I got boxed in, I might have to stay out in bad weather. I decided to take the ridge trail, and after dark the mule brought me safely back.

Life usually starts in a beautiful broad plain with good trails. But sometimes our choices enclose us in our sin like steep canyon walls, and it seems impossible to climb up to the ridge of high ground and freedom.

The Holy Spirit of God takes care of Christians. He guides us away from traps and dangers safely home.