Amy Grant sings a song that includes the lines, “I’d love to live on a mountain top, fellowshipping with the Lord…” It’s an older song, but it’s one I love to sing along to.  Living in Nevada, there has never been a lack of mountain views.  Those views are amazing from the valleys, whether the Las Vegas Valley, the Pahrump Valley, or other areas.  Even venturing into Death Valley, in neighboring California, there are tremendous views of mountains, near and far.  Mountains are amazing, and so interesting to observe from the valley.  However, travel up a mountain, and the breathtaking views are often even more intriguing.  Looking back upon the valley, or out over the valley to the next mountain range, one has a different, elevated perspective. 



The really interesting thing about the mountaintop view is what it takes to get to that point.  Certainly, when one reaches an incredible high point, the effort has proven worthwhile, but how does one reach that spot?  In modern day, there is usually automotive travel involved.  I’ve ridden along on treks to the mountains, and the thing that intrigues me is the view.  However, the thing that frightens me…is the view.  There is that sense, particularly in a big vehicle like ours, that one is so very close to the edge.  The sense that one might fall at any moment.  That fearfulness that the driver is too intent on the beautiful view to care just a wee bit about the safety of their precious cargo?  Maybe you recognize the feeling?

Mountain terrain may be rough, and the climb, a bit testing.  Still, it’s the climb that makes the view all the more worthwhile.  And it’s the climb that causes one to hold on tight, having to trust the driver.  And a trustworthy driver gets you safely to your destination.  You stand, side by side, and breathe in the cool mountain air, crisp with the smell of pines.  You gaze out toward the next range, and ponder and wonder together.  You praise God for His majesty and creativity and splendor.  If the driver is God, Himself, and the mountain figurative, you stand together, as you thank Him, as He assures you that this is just what He wanted you to see…and wasn’t it so worth traveling here with Him?  Wasn’t it, truly?  It was.



Have you traveled near a cliff this week, and wondered at the view?  Have you lately caught your breath as you wonder if He isn’t drifting just a tinge too close to the edge?  Have you seen His faithfulness take you past that scary point, whether you trusted Him completely, or even if you wavered and hid your head in a pillow as you passed by?  Has He not shown Himself again, and has He not allowed that sigh of relief and that song of praise to simultaneously escape your lips?  Miley Cyrus sings a secular song, “The Climb”, and though it doesn’t speak of Him, it makes me think of Him…and it’s the climb that makes that mountain top moment so wonderful!

ADW 2010