Photo capturing the start of New Zealand's autumn season, taken in Kaikoura during my 2015 spring semester abroad. (New Zealand's seasons are opposite of America).
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - Psalm 121:1, New International Version
As we settle into January, maybe you're on a mountain top, overflowing with joy and anticipation for the coming year.
Or...maybe you're in a valley, shrouded by shadows and fearful of the unknown.
If you find yourself in a valley—maybe you even find yourself walking through the valley of the shadow of death—I encourage you, look up to your Maker. "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17, New International Version). If you ask, he will help you. He loves you more than you can imagine. Come to him, and he will give you rest (see Matthew 11:28-31).
There is a song by Hillsong United called Highlands (Song of Ascent). It's poetry put to music and it's lyrics beautifully depict what it's like to praise God in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in—both on the highest mountains and in the lowest valleys.
The song's chorus inspires hope and courage within me:
I will praise You on the mountain And I will praise You when the mountain's in my way You're the summit where my feet are So I will praise You in the valleys all the same No less God within the shadows No less faithful when the night leads me astray You're the heaven where my heart is In the highlands and the heartache all the same
I encourage you to listen to this song and let it's words of triumph in Jesus wash over your soul.
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