What is it about mountains?
Moses met with God there.
The Samaritans and Jews argued over which one people should worship on.
People have called them holy.
Jesus went up them to pray.
We marvel at photos of them, take vacations to climb them, and even use them in reference to the best points of our lives.
Called “mountaintop experiences,” we see ascending to the highest heights we can reach as arriving at the pinnacles of life. It’s there we feel close to the Lord and immensely blessed. Mountaintop experiences tend to fan the flame in our hearts and energize us. They feel like an achievement and a reward all in one.
But what’s so special about a mountaintop?
I think it’s the view.
What's so special about a mountaintop? I think it's the view... Click To TweetWhen perched on a mountaintop, we look out over the valleys. From up high, they’re beautiful. All the gullies, forests, desserts, roads, and rivers we struggled to ford and forge look small and surmountable. They’re wonderfully placed, textures in a scene hand-drawn by God.
From up high, we feel a bit like we get to glimpse of God’s perspective.
“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” –Psalm 33:13-15
Looking down from on high, we get to watch as the Lord does. We can peer into others’ lives, into grander plans, to see how all the lows of life are glorious to behold when they are etched out on the landscape of the Lord.
The perspective gives us pause to consider what all the valleys are for and how beautiful the walk of faith is. We get a peek into how life works, and how marvelous His design is. The distance reminds us of the One who is forming the terrain of this world and human hearts still.
Our view from a mountaintop reveals that God is, indeed, making all things new.
Our view from a mountaintop reveals that God is, indeed, making all things new. Click To TweetAs we trudge through the lowlands, our feet fixed on a path ever moving upward. Let’s take heart in that fact.
The God who made the mountain and its panoramic view is making us in the valleys too. May that be a comfort and joy to you as the new year begins!
The God who made the mountain and its panoramic view is making us in the valleys too. Click To Tweet{A version of this post was previously published here}
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LINK UP is open! For this year's last #Linkup, my friend @BethanyMcIlrath shares a beautiful post about life's valleys from God's perspective. Join us and share your blog! Click To Tweet
I think you’re right about the view–we see the bigger picture, how things fit together. And keeping that perspective in mind helps when we go back to the valley.
Thanks, Barbara. Perspective can be so helpful! Have a happy start to the new year!
Bethany, this is simply beautiful. Sometimes I feel as if my heart’s GPS is wired to stay on the mountaintop. What we secretly or openly wish the Christian life promised. But I love your perspective on how much God is also working in the valley. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Karen! I secretly wish it was all mountaintops too (I love mountains!!) Praise God He works in the valleys too. Happy new year to you, too!
I also think its the effort and reward. Climbing a mountain is no easy task, but the climb is always worth it. The toil was not in vain, doubling the mountaintop experience.
That’s such a great point, Nylse. I need to remember that. Happy new year to you!
I love this perspective and encouragement. Thank you.
Thank you, Lauren! Happy new year!
I agree, there is something special about the view from a mountain top and it does give us perspective. Climbing hills is something I’ve done quite a bit this year and it definitely helps me focus on God and remember that he is there in all the craziness.
I’m glad you’ve gotten to climb some hills this year, Lesley. Praise God He is still with us. Happy new year!
Bethany, what a lovely thought, The One who made the mountains makes us in the valleys. Happy New Year, my friend!
Thank you, Debbie! Happy new year to you, too!
Sometimes my journey isn’t clear to me until I pause to look back. This is a good time for that…
Me too, Michele. Yes it is. May the start of your new year be happy and insightful!