I am on vacation this week, presently seated on a deck overlooking a mountainside forest. I’ve enjoyed a restful week of day hikes, paddle boarding, white water rafting…. The bubbling brook and chirping birds with 70 degree temperature this morning are especially delightful.
As I’ve soaked in the beauty of the majestic Maroon Bells mountain peaks; the Collegiate fourteeners, a sunset view from the Continental Divide and an adventurous ride down the Arkansas River, my heart has been reminded of God’s majesty, power, and immovable sovereignty over all of creation.
These rugged, expansive peaks stand sentinel, stalwart as they watch over the valleys below. Rivers of life flow from the headwaters of the Arkansas and Rio Grande, bringing life to all they encounter along the way. The mountains and hills burst into song before us, and all the trees of the field clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12)
This is nourishment to my soul, washing me clean; reminding me and renewing my mind. Creating in me a clean heart and renewing in me a right spirit (Psalm 51:10) He is all powerful, yet tender. Sovereign, yet grants us the privilege of choice and with incomprehensible Wisdom works always for our good in the midst of our choices.
He instructs us to trust Him, rather than our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Indeed, He is trustworthy.
In this life journey, He has walked me through numerous seasons with Him; as friend, as King, as the Lover of my soul… ever deepening my walk with Him. And as only a Good Father can do, preparing me for each subsequent season to come. With growth comes every increasing responsibility, not just for oneself, but primarily for the benefit of those entrusted into one’s care.
As Jesus was about His Father’s business, He was entrusted first with the twelve (see His prayer in John 17) as He ministered on the earth. Likewise, He now – by Holy Spirit – entrusts into our care with greater measure as we grow up in Him, also about our Father’s business.
The profound mystery that I am presently walking, learning, is that He in return requires that we reciprocate – we, in return, entrust those back into His care as we walk with our loved ones – Family, friends, co-workers – whichever relationship one may be encountering – to love them, walk with them, come alongside each one as He leads for what is needed in the moment.
Yet, give them space to make their choices in their own walk. We are not to take responsibility or “fix” anything for them. In a very personal relationship for me, He once said to me, “I don’t need you to fix her; I want you to love her.” This was over twenty years ago. I am still learning how to walk this out in current relationships.
Thank you Father, for Your kindness, patience, and tender loving care of my heart. May I continue to learn how to faithfully and righteously entrust Your children into Your care.
You are my Shepherd. You have led me into green pastures and beside still waters. You restore my soul (Psalm 23). So, I will walk down this mountain with my heart held high, following in the footsteps of my Maker….. In the words of one of my favorite artists, Bebo Norman:
“Walk Down the Mountain”
It’s a better place
Standing high upon this mountain
I’ve seen your face
Full of the light that holiest height can show
Blessed hand is why you you’ve given
But you’ve been given all you’ll ever need
To know
So walk down this mountain
With your heart held high
Follow in the footsteps of your maker
With this love that’s gone before you
And these people at your side
If you offer up your broken cup
You will taste the meaning of this life
—
Yes and amen, Father. Yes and amen.
