Lessons Learned in Pressing On: His Power and My Purpose

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

"His lightenings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth." Psalm 97:4-5

Where Does My Help Come From? Psalm 121:1-2

When I come to the base of a mountain I don't really look up and envision myself hiding in it or finding protection. This is due solely to the fact that all I can envision is the massive amount of ticks, spiders, and other creatures with teeth who inhabit it. Yes, if I'm going to hide it's typically going to take place under the covers in my bed. But, if I put myself in the shoes of the author of psalm 121:1-2 I almost imagine the 2014 slaughter in Iraq which forced 40,000 people to flee to Mount Sinjar for refuge. The mountain held caves, shifting shadows and rocks to hide in. A mountain dwarfs the people on it creating great camouflage. Throughout the book of I Samuel we see that Davis took refuge in the mountains (or "hills")  and caves to hide from an angry Saul (I Samuel 23:19, 24:1-4, 26:1). Though the mountains may seem to hold protection for those seeking refuge this is only an illusion created by human understanding. While "The Sound Of Music" has thoroughly confused us into thinking our help comes from the mountains,  the psalmist actually communicates the exact opposite. In our finiteness we are so prone to run to the creation for our help rather than the Creator. We foolishly conclude, "This rock is big I'm sure it will help me," as we completely overlook the God who made the rock and holds all power in His hands. The mountains were not designed to be our place of refuge but rather they were designed to again dimly reflect the One with the ultimate power to be our Refuge. If we rephrase Psalm 121:1-2 we could say,

"I look at the mountains and realize that my help comes from the One greater than these. My true salvation comes from the hand of an Almighty God who simply had to speak to create the mountains. My help flows from The Rock so awesome that the mountains would look like pebbles in His presence. For me to think that my defence and hope could come from such minuscule, lifeless objects is complete foolishness. My confident defence and protection comes not from the objects created but from The One who created the objects."

Where Does True Power Come From? Psalm 97:4-6

Psalm 97 continues this thought as again it uses the analogy of the mountains melting like a brick of wax in a warmer when they are exposed to the presence of God. It is as though these rocks would recognize that true majesty and power was in their presence and they would kneel prostrate before Him. I am overwhelmed as God has demonstrated a glimpse of His majesty and awe producing power to me. Yet, we must recognize that the great power and mind blowing beauty of the mountains is not provided so that we can be "entertained." Rather, it is to declare the glory of God and put all men who see these sights in a position of submission to God.

A Purpose of Worship through Obedience and Exaltation

It can be easy to read all of this and agree but how does it apply to me right now? How does it apply when my life hangs in the balance and cancer threatens to steal it away? How does it apply when I don't have a job and my bills are due next week? How does it apply when I feel utterly defeated by my trials and just want to give up? It applies to each of those situations because it points us to the gospel and challenges us to walk with hope. As believers under the covenant of grace we are protected and cherished children of God. We not only have the opportunity to know of God, but to know Him deeply and rest knowing He will "keep" us. By grace Christ has defeated the victory of death and has delivered us from the wrath we once lived under. By grace the Creator of the universe has focused His watchful care not only on our pasts but on our futures. There is great hope and confidence to walk forward in obedience because we know that He is our Strength, He is our Protection, He is our Keeper, our Defender, or Provider. He has promised He will never leave us and our circumstances are perfectly under control. He is our help and, because of grace, we can rest secure in Him and take that next step of obedience knowing it will not result in collapse. 

"...For He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; what can man do to me?' Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:5-8

If you remember the story of my mountain "hike" which I used to open this series you'll be surprised to know that I actually went back with my husband in September of 2015 and finished that climb. Romans 1:19-20 came rushing through my mind as we paused with a fellow climber to take in the view on the last leg of our climb. This stranger turned to us and, with a breathless gasp said, "WOW! This is Awesome!" As I thought of the incredible God who was reflected in the landscape I couldn't help but respond in my mind, "Yes. Yes, He is!" So what do I do with this new knowledge? I begin my own climb of journeying toward a deeper trust and reliance on Him.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse." Romans 1:18-20