I Look Unto The Hills...
Though there is snow on the ground outside now, I just came across vacation
pictures of a sunny day in June where I was on vacation in the mountains of
Idaho. In the midst of a hectic fall, I look back to the time of perfect peace
where I sat out in the cool mountain air and was moved once more to poetry
as being the outlet for my heart running over.
This always happens when I'm in the mountains. Their beauty somehow
restores me. I can't fathom anyone not thinking of the Creator when looking
at their vast majesty. It happens also when I'm at the ocean or even under
an open sky at dawn or sunset. It's there that I lift my eyes above the
mundane dailyness that often steals my focus. It's so easy to see only what
is in front of us - the world of routine, of the practical, of the work of living.
It's so easy to get our mind so full of the next meal, chore, event, hurt,
or disappointment.
For truly, His creation speaks clearly of His invisible nature, His eternal
power and deity. Surely there is no one, regardless of their belief, that
hasn't stood under a clear night sky or a beautiful view of rolling hills without
feeling a sense of romance, a stirring deep within. But to some that sense
of romance may remain loverless, a mystery they may not even understand
is spiritual.
The bible tells us: For since the beginning of the world His invisible nature,
namely His eternal power and deity has been clearly perceived in the
things that have been made. So they are without excuse, for although
they knew God they did not glorify Him and thank Him as God.
Rm.1:20-21
How sad that many may never look into their soul to find the Savior and
Creator that is the author of that sweet stirring. And how sad that many of
us who have welcomed our Saviour into the deepest recesses of our heart,
and know Him through His Word and our experience, go many days without
really lifting our eyes to His glory, failing to glorify and thank Him.
For I know, that though we must accept some days as routine and mundane,
I don't have to take a trip to the mountains or the ocean to find His glory.
Surely, gazing upon the splendor of His creation is heart-stirring. But I can
lift my eyes to the hills sitting on my couch, waiting for Him to illuminate a
passage that lights up my heart like the most beautiful of sunrises.
I may have to wait on His timing that isn't always as regular as the sunrises,
but is as sure. And I must be patient because some dawns are signals of a
storm on the horizon. But if I wait on Him He'll lead me to passages that I've
read over and over but can shed new light into the present storm clouds in
my life:
When I've needed to change my default of withdrawing:
Speak the truth in love. Eph:4-5
When I've been hurt and want to lash out:
Be angry but do not sin. Eph. 4:26
When I've been disappointed by someone:
Not all have faith, but God is faithful. 2 Thess. 3:2-3
When I'm suffering:
In this you greatly rejoice though now you have had to suffer
a little while...these have come so that your faith...may be proved
genuine... 1 Peter 1:6-7
Maybe it's not a mountain-top experience I need for restoration. Maybe it's
just a change of perspective: His.
I lift mine eyes to the hills .
He restoreth my soul.
When the world closes in,
There my broken pieces are made whole.
For the dark one is prowling,
Desiring us to fall.
But if we become still,
We can hear the whispering call.
For His still small voice
Resides within.
Flowers sprout from rock crevices
Then the darkness will begin...
To fade over into
My soul's horizon
And the glory of daybreak
Will bring forth the light rising...
With the dawn of knowing
He is ever with me.
No matter what the darkness
He holds the key...
To the perspective of safety.
No matter what may befall
He will walk us through it
For He is Lord of all.
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