I love to see the beautiful places that God has scattered across our planet: the twin cascades of Yosemite Falls, the carved stone of Arches and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Old Faithful spouting faithfully approximately every 90 minutes. Where I live in Oregon we enjoy Crater Lake, a stunningly beautiful volcanic caldera filled with pristine water. At a depth of over 1,900 feet, it is one of the deepest lakes in the world.

God created special places such as these—both the massive and awe-inspiring as well as the delicate and graceful—to show us His awesome creative power and artistry. The creation is filled with an incredible variety of beautiful places.

Many of these places are at least somewhat off the beaten path. If you want to see them, you have to expend some effort getting to where they are located. The same is true of many national parks. Even more hidden treasures are hidden within these parks, typically tucked away from the main roads, off the beaten path and accessible only by hiking into the wilderness. An up-close-and-personal view of Delicate Arch or the view from the top of Half Dome in Yosemite is truly worth the effort it takes to reach them.

In many ways God's Word is like that. It's like a beautiful park filled with great and grand treasures, as well as small, graceful corners of wisdom and knowledge. Similar to driving 200, 500 or 1,000 miles or more to see the beauty of a national park, it sometimes takes effort to see the depth and beauty of God's Word. Just as you might have to hike in for miles to witness a spectacular waterfall up close, so you might have to spend time getting close to God's Word. But finding deep meaning in just one verse can be richly rewarding.

The colossal Pentateuch is filled with epic stories and spans thousands of years of history. The small book of Ruth speaks to God's loving gentleness to those who faithfully seek Him. A thorough study of the creation account reveals God's incredible power and skill. An in-depth study of the beatitudes can move us to make the most important changes in our lives.

Throughout the pages of the Bible are treasures of wisdom, instruction, praise, courage, faithfulness and hope. Travel often and deeply into the Word of God to be inspired and awed by His greatness and glorious truth.

It takes a seasoned explorer to gain knowledge and understanding, and we will not find what we seek all in one place. What a wonderful reward you will reap. "How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver" (Proverbs 16:16).

Start your journey today, fellow travelers. Explore the new and revisit the old places you love, and do so often. UN