When God Rode Shotgun Through the Alps

For over a year, twelve of us planned a trip through the Dolomites, and we spent it driving Porsches through Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Almost everyone on the trip was coupled up, which meant that I was the one in the car by myself, and a few people looked at me before we left and asked, "Are you gonna be okay in there all by yourself?"

I understand why they asked, because most people would assume that a solo seat on a trip like that would feel sad, or at least a little empty. But I was great. I put on my worship music, rolled through the mountains, and somewhere between one border and the next, I realized that I wasn't alone at all.

Where Can I Go From Your Presence?

"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." (Psalm 139:7-10)

I have read that passage many times, but it hit differently while I was winding through the Alps, surrounded by peaks I could not have imagined and singing along to songs that put words to what I was feeling. God was not somewhere behind me or waiting for me at the end of the trip, because He was in the car with me, and I could feel it.

Being Single Doesn't Mean Being Without

I think a lot of us carry a quiet fear that being on our own means we are missing out, or that people are looking at us with pity. What I experienced on that trip was the opposite, because being alone with God, without distraction or anyone to perform for, gave me room to notice how close He actually was. That kind of peace does not come from having the right people in the passenger seat, and it is available to you wherever you are right now.

Reflection Questions

• When was the last time you were alone and felt completely at peace? What made that possible?

• Is there a situation in your life where you have assumed that being by yourself means being without?

• What would it look like to invite God into the quiet moments you usually try to fill?

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/sam mgrdichian

Joe Navarro, known online as @joechristianguy, is a Christian content creator, entrepreneur, and cultural voice passionate about making faith approachable and impactful for the next generation. With over 4.5 million combined followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Joe delivers bold, Gospel-centered truth through a mix of daily encouragement, short-form teachings, comedic skits, and authentic life experiences. His unique blend of theology, humor, and clarity has created space for millions of young believers and skeptics alike to engage with Scripture and real conversations about following Jesus in a digital world. In 2023, he co-created the popular card game Discernment alongside Jacob and Julia Petersen, which is now available in major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Museum of the Bible, and Mardel. He also holds a degree in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Sales from Texas A&M.