mountains laid low
“I look up to the mountains: does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
Psalm 121 is a proclamation of God’s protection. It plants a sign in the ground that says: God is worthy of your trust. He shields. He neither sleeps nor slumbers. You live in the palm of His hand. This is a psalm extolling the fierce love of the father.
Yet, we still look to mountains, magnificent mountains erected by men and women, standing as monuments of our own greatness. We build ourselves on exalted trophies of fame and success, on charisma and awards, on how many people want to shake your hand and whisper your name in the hallways. These are mountains worth trusting, worth drawing strength from, we’re told. Our own achievements and talents are great sources of identity. If people think positive of us, that is something we can rely on for sustenance. And because all this feels so good, we listen. I listen.
But God looks at our mountains and goes: Why? Why trust in the little towers men have created for ourselves when the Good One is waiting with miracles and healing in His wings? I protect, guard, shield you from the lies that tire us and tear us down, little by little, day by day. Listen to the Creator, instead of the created.
It seems easy at first to draw strength from other sources - my accomplishments, people’s opinion, crutches of sin that reduce me to a comfortable state of being. It’s empowering, no doubt, but boy, it sure doesn’t last. Soon, I wonder why I’m empty, lost. The question is, if I know those wells don’t give me strength, why don’t I come to the Living Water?
Because I’m ashamed. Because when I come before Him, I feel all things hidden are made known, all deceit laid bare in His full knowledge. He knows when I’m two-faced, when I live just for myself, when I am filled with guilt. I know He saves - but isn’t He sick of saving consistently, always, this child who can’t get it right?
But God is my Saviour, and He saves me from myself. He protects me from the evil in me, wars against the insecurities and wounds in my heart. Because that’s who He is - God the Guardian. The Redeemer who is always deeming us worthy of rescue and forgiveness. The Strength who will never falter, because His banner over us is unconditional, faithful, patient love.
Does my strength come from achievements?
From accolades?
From the praises of people’s lips?
From the strongholds in my life?
From successes as the world has defined them?
From pity?
From being known by all?
No.
My strength comes from the Creator of heaven, earth and mountains.
From my father whose grace is enough.
From a God who sets me free from guilt.
From the One who will fight for my freedom.
From being known by Him.
Oh Father. I so often draw my strength from mountains. But You Oh God are strength everlasting.
Teach me to draw help and strength from You. Amen.
