I encountered God in creation often. Regularly after work, I would go to a spot called Desolation Canyon to get solitude time in nature.

I would hike up a ridge and then just sit and read or just sit in silence watching the sun set over the mountains.

Every time I went to that spot I was filled with peace and I could evaluate my life with a certain clarity that is rarely attained. God would meet me there and He would calm my spirit and tell me to trust in Him.

He would tell me to live in faith instead of fear. He never answered all of the questions on my mind, but I knew that He was in control and He had a plan even if I didn’t.

Every time I went to that spot I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Death Valley is incredibly vast and peaceful and it affords innumerable opportunities for you to spend time alone with God in His creation. Every time I went to Desolation Canyon I left with a more positive outlook and a clearer purpose for why God had placed me in Death Valley.

Andrew ,V. Death Valley National Park, 2012