Mountains Offer A Peek At God's Power

verest, K2, the Eiger, Mont Blanc. Whether they are in the Himalayas or Europe, majestic mountains have thrilled and inspired countless generations. Their very names conjure up an idea of beauty and strength. Many people find that such peaks indicate God’s power in creation and help them to put their lives into perspective.

Thousands of years ago, people sincerely believed that God lived on mountain tops. Today, some peoples still regard certain mountains as sacred places of worship. Such an outlook is echoed in the opening verse of Psalm 121: ‘I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there?’ (New Living Translation). Then the psalm writer moves on in his understanding of God and answers his own question: ‘My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and earth’ (121:1, 2).

He goes on to describe the care and protection that God lavishes on humankind, his greatest creation: ‘The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and for ever’ (121:7, 8). This particular phrase has led to the Psalm being known as the ‘Threshold Blessing’.

Many Jewish homes have a small metal cylinder containing a rolled parchment of God’s commands fixed to their doorpost (following the instruction of Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:18–21). It is customary for families to touch it and quote this promise of divine protection as they leave or return home.

Asking for God’s help and guidance at the start of each day is not a new idea. Neither is asking him to bless our homes and family relationships. Many have found that such prayers enrich their daily life.

This Psalm is often read at special times, such as weddings and funerals. But its words are not there to be packed carefully away in tissue paper until the next special occasion. God’s promises are relevant in our ordinary and everyday ‘comings and goings’ too. The psalm writer does not put limits on God’s watchful care. There are no ‘ifs’. His care is available to everyone, no matter who we are, whatever the need or circumstance. All God requires is our confidence and trust.

UK & Ireland War Cry 2 August 2014