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What Does God Sound Like?
An Excerpt from Speak, My Soul If we are to hear our own soul speak, we Read More
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV).
There are mountains where I live. Normally, I find them lovely unless I’m flying over them in my husband’s small airplane. Instead of embracing the spectacular birds-eye view and trusting my husband who’s flying, I squeeze my eyes shut. Cowering beneath my jacket, I hold my breath waiting till we get to the other side. Even now, when my husband suggests flying me somewhere, I ask him, “Are there mountains?”
Living on the West coast of the United States, it’s hard to avoid them. Mountains are everywhere! I prefer flying over the Sacramento Valley where the flat land is lined with rice fields and almond orchards. Cattle graze on a carpet of green grass, and Interstate 5 stretches for miles like a grey ribbon. I have a sense of safety knowing we could coast the plane down and land without too many bumps. Yes, given a choice, I’d rather fly over—and live—in the peaceful valley.
Do I treat life this way? You know, there are mountains out there too. Sweet moments in life might be considered a mountain-top experience like the breath-taking beauty that comes after an uphill hike when we’re standing on the top of the world. But, there are also treacherous mountains where the trees don’t grow and the steep elevation seems insurmountable. Only, we have no choice but to go up and over. Not knowing if we’ll survive our circumstances.
How do we react when the mountainous problem looming before us is 5,000 feet or a 14,000-foot peak? Do we cower and hide our heads in denial like an ostrich’s head in a hole? Pull back into our shells like a frightened turtle?
Fear—and a lack of trust—is my first response whether I’m flying in mountains or facing “life.” I’m beginning to think I’ll never change. It’s how I’m wired. However, I did something on my last flight that opened my eyes. As we took off towards the hills, I’d closed my eyes. Only this time, I listened to Christian music on my iPod. And I meditated on the Biblical truths behind the lyrics.
I thought about the geography of my life: sunny beaches and peaceful meadows interspersed with spiritual desserts, hazardous mountains, as well as the valley of the shadow of death. The one constant navigator and comforter in my life is Jesus. When I embraced that truth, and everything I know to be true about God’s character and my relationship with him, my fear disappeared. My tense body relaxed, and I was able to open my eyes to behold God’s glorious creation.