Biblical Topics or Themes For Your Next Adventure

Have you considered giving your travels a biblical topic or theme? Consider going on your next vacation not only with luggage and a camera, but also with a purpose anchored in the eternal wisdom of the Bible. When you choose to center your journeys on a certain Bible verse, theme, or issue, traveling as a Christian can be a rewarding and changing experience. By doing so, you allow God to speak to and through you, enriching your journeys in ways you could never have imagined.

The Power of a Biblical Focus

Traveling with a biblical focus does not require you to transform your trip into a religious pilgrimage or to limit your adventures to mission trips. Rather, it means allowing God's Word to guide and enrich your experiences, making vacations more significant and spiritually gratifying.

Selecting a Biblical Focus

When it comes to choosing a specific Bible verse, theme, or topic to focus your trips around, the possibilities are unlimited. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. God's Creation: The gorgeous landscapes, distinct cultures, and various groups you will meet while traveling were created by the Lord. (Genesis 1)

2. The Good Shepherd: The Lord guides you in all seasons of life. Reflect on Psalm 23 as you wander on unknown paths.

3. Blessings: The Lord has bestowed upon you many blessings that you frequently take for granted. You can give the Lord honor and thanks by looking to Him as you experience new things. (Matthew 6:25-34)

4. Faith Journeys: Retrace the steps of those who walked in the way of the Lord (such as Abraham and Moses), and consider where the Lord is calling you to go. (Genesis 12-23 and Exodus 2-15)

5. The Good Samaritan: The Lord instructs us to be kind to everyone we meet. Consider the story of the Good Samaritan to gain a new perspective on your trip. (Luke 10:25-37)

6. Journey to the Promised Land: Ponder the factors that impede you from focusing on Christ and the eternal goal. (Exodus 12-16, Numbers 13-14, and Joshua 1-6)

7. Parables of Jesus: Jesus frequently used parables to help us grasp God's law as well as His love and kindness. Examine the parables more closely to see what lessons the Lord may be teaching you via your adventures. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)

8. Miracles of the King: We frequently limit what God can do, as if we were putting Him in a box. Read through many of God's miracles to see how God is working in your life right now. (I recommend looking up lists of Bible miracles.)

9. Great Commission: The Lord commands us to go into the world and proclaim the Good News. Consider times when Jesus sent the disciples out and how He may be sending you. (Mark 6:7-13, Matthew 28:16-20)

10. Hope: Our world can be bitter at times, but the Resurrection gives us eternal hope. A hope that distinguishes us from the rest of the world. How is God urging you to live in that hope? (1 Corinthians 15)

11. Fruit of the Spirit: The Lord has given all believers the Holy Spirit and with it comes this fruit. Noting that this fruit is singular (not plural) we know that by walking with the Lord we exemplify this. How is the Lord using your vacation to pull you back to Him and His ways? (Galatians 5)

12. Recline At The Table: The ancient term 'Triclinium' was used to describe moments when people reclined around meals to talk. Consider moments when Jesus reclined with others as you consider how God is asking you to rest in His presence even in the midst of your adventures. (Recline At The Table Kit)

Putting It Into Practice

When you travel with a biblical focus, it is important to have a plan of how you will keep this focus even when your travels become busy. Here are few tips:

1. Make Time For God Daily. By planning ahead of time and deciding when you will spend time in the Word - whether at lunch, during your morning routine, or before bed - you help set the expectations for yourself and make it easier to convey those expectation to others.

2. Local Connections: While solitude is great, seeking out local Bible studies and communities can help you grow as you experience the Lord via dialogue with others. (See our growing directory of English-speaking worship services worldwide.)

3. Journal: As you hear the Lord speak to you through His word and your trip experiences, find ways to record the lessons you've learned (whether on your phone or in a notebook).

The Benefits of Christ-Centered Travel

Traveling with a biblical focus not only strengthens your connection with God, but it will also give you a renewed sense of purpose and direction. God will speak to you in unexpected ways through the people you meet, the landscapes you see, and the difficulties you confront. These encounters become a part of your spiritual path, enhancing your relationship with God and leaving a lasting impact on your life.

Consider giving your trips a special biblical focus the next time you pack your bags and go out on an adventure. Allowing God to speak in and through your trips, whether it's a verse, theme, or issue, will transform your adventures into a spiritual and life-enriching experience. Open your heart and your Bible, and let the adventure begin!