Psalm 95:3-4
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
There are so many scriptures about the mountains and the valleys. I can’t imagine climbing mountains physically or the feeling of fear as I would descend into the valleys. My footing would always be the focus – the most important part of the journey. Solid footing as I ascended, being sure-footed in my descent. Failure in either would result in tragedy.
Working with our mission teams in Honduras required us to ascend several hundred steps – very steep ones – into a community we had grown to love. Going up, many times I used my hands as much as my feet, stabilizing myself. Coming down, even more terrifying. If possible, I asked to go first. If not, I waited until last. As I explained to everyone, if I lost my footing going down, I would become a giant bowling ball taking out everyone in my path. Yes, we all laughed. But inside – the fear itself made my knees wobble.
Gratefully, in all the years I visited that community, I never did slip or fall.
And there – there in that physical experience, is the challenge I have found myself in with my spiritual life.
What I rely on for solid footing will determine my stability through my life. Whether I am climbing out of the valleys or descending into them.
If I lose my footing in my spiritual life, it will affect many around me just as if I lose it in my physical walk. I learn more about that every day. I’m dedicated to keeping a core focus, centered on God, living a life reflecting His presence in it.
And the promise I receive in these verses and in so many others is God holds it all in His hands. I can trust He is ever present no matter where I am in my journey.
I took this picture in Hawaii in case you are wondering. Isn’t it beautiful? God created this world a beautiful place. He has a beautiful place prepared for us when our walk here is done. One that requires no fear of slipping or falling.
“Lord, thank You for this amazing creation You prepared for us. Thank You for being present no matter where we are on our journey. We can look back and see how You were present in our past. We look around and see Your presence here in today. We look to the future without fear because we know You are there too. Forever and ever. Amen”
Your traveling buddy,
Janet