Put Yourself at the Peak

A group of aging friends spend their summer vacations climbing small mountain ranges. They delight in conquering each peak in turn—no mean feat considering back problems and other ailments that sometimes come with age. It’s a strenuous activity, but glorious vistas make up for aching muscles and exhaustion. If you ask them why they don’t spend their vacations relaxing on a warm beach instead, they will dismiss the idea. They would rather go on their mountain climbs, despite the effort. They say there is nothing like the satisfaction of reaching another summit.

For this exercise, visualize a mountain range. Focus on a picture, or use your imagination. Tag each peak as one of the problems in your life—one might be upcoming bills, another is the promotion or better job you’re hoping for, another is a long-term ailment, another is a task you can’t seem to complete, and so on. Have you groaned and worried as these difficulties loomed large on your horizon? It’s time for a change in your perspective!

Choose one of the peaks and picture yourself climbing it. It’s somewhat of a struggle getting up the rocky slopes, but you are not climbing alone. A strong, experienced, and capable mountain guide accompanies you. The Lord promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you.”1 He offers a helping hand as you clamber over rocks. He guides you in a safe path. Together you can make this climb. You’re cheerful, even eager, as you anticipate reaching the summit. Remember, this is an exciting challenge, not a drudgery. Now, picture you and Jesus celebrating together at the summit. You’ve reached your goal!

“If the conquest of a great peak brings moments of exultation and bliss, which in the monotonous, materialistic existence of modern times nothing else can approach, it also presents great dangers. It is not the goal of grand alpinism to face peril, but it is one of the tests one must undergo to deserve the joy of rising for an instant above the state of crawling grubs. On this proud and beautiful mountain we have lived hours of fraternal, warm, and exalting nobility. Here for a few days we have ceased to be slaves and have really been men. It is hard to return to servitude.”
—Lionel Terray (1921–1965), French mountaineer

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Philippians 4:13 ESV – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 16:3 ESV – Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Matthew 16:26 ESV – For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?