how the light gets in

Reaching the summit of a mountain top is quite an accomplishment. That being said, “mountain top” writing would offer a pretty amazing view. And, I am here to say I am not a mountain top writer. You probably knew this about me before I did.

I write from the spots along the way to the “mountain top.”

In other words, I write from where I feel lost, from where I realize I don’t have everything I need in my backpack.

I write from the rock I sit on to catch my breath.

I love mountain top views. And yet, I am finding that I love looking back, looking around just as much if not more.

Writing from the journey brings you along with me. So, if I’m here stringing words together; it’s because I find myself climbing and needing some encouragement, some direction or maybe just a “me too.”

Not going to go into the details but let’s just say this hike is one of the most challenging with lots of dips and steep climbs and my backpack feels empty.

This whole mountaintop thing came to me while literally flying over mountain tops. The lofty altitude offered more than a change in scenery. So, I scribbled some thoughts in my journal while sitting in window seat 14A, waiting for my Coke and complimentary salty snack.

A few days later, two friends came over to pray with me (for me). Dana read Psalms 121. And as she read, those ancient, still very much alive Words caught my breath.

“I lift my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He will not allow your foot to slip. Your protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you. The Lord is a shelter by your side. The sun will not strike you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.”

Let’s catch our breath here. If you’re in a tough spot, I pray this fills your lungs with a big chest puffing inhale.

For sure, the word “mountain” got my attention when I heard it because I was writing about mountain top views while looking down on mountains.

But, we need to keep moving past the coincidence. There is more.

Psalms 121 is part of a collection in the Psalms called the “Songs of Ascent.”

To ascend is to climb.

The Psalm Dana chose to read over me, not knowing that I had journaled about climbing and mountains and such; is about climbing mountains.

The Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) were written for travelers on their journey up the mountain. The lyrics kept the weary focused. The phrases were reminding them of their purpose, pointing them to God, encouraging them to remember.

One of my favorite things to “pack” for the tough trails is a playlist. Here are two for you:

After journaling about the mountains and hearing Psalms 121; I reached out to Shannon (a Singer/Songwriter Superhero friend) to see if she had a song for the Psalm. She said, “Give me 20 minutes.” Like for real.

Twenty minutes later, she texted me a voice memo. Shannon was singing and playing guitar, her voice giving fresh life to the question,

“Where does my help come from?”

Now let’s get back on the airplane and zoom out again for a loftier view to make sure we’re seeing the same thing together.

Close your eyes and imagine the view. Can you see the mountain range? Can you see the peak? God isn’t just waiting on the mountain top.

God is with us every step of the way – every slippery dip, every steep step, in the shade of the trees, in the hot sun – all of it. And when we aren’t getting it, He might just send a friend or two.