HIGH ON A HILLTOP
The landscape appears altogether different at some levels. The traveler in the valley sees only the winding road before him, but the one who stands high upon the hilltop sees the rivers, the forests, the distant fields, and the path stretching far beyond the next bend.
So it is with the child of God.
When our thoughts cling only to earthly concerns, our vision becomes narrow and troubled. Yet when faith lifts us into the presence of God, we begin to see life from heaven’s perspective. “Set your mind on things above,” the apostle urges, for Christ Himself is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-2).
Many of our fears are born in the valley. We see today’s burden but not tomorrow’s provision. We feel the pressure of the storm but not the hand that governs the clouds.
Abraham climbed a mountain in obedience, not knowing how the Lord would provide, yet from that higher place he learned that God had already prepared the answer before the need fully appeared (Genesis 22:8, 14).
Faith often ascends before it understands. It trusts the Shepherd while the path still winds through shadows (Psalm 23:1-4).
The hilltop is also a place of clearer worship. The noise of the world grows faint when the soul draws near to God.
Moses climbed the mountain and received the Word of the Lord (Exodus 24:12). The Lord Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16).
There is a holy elevation of spirit that comes when we turn from the clamor of men and listen for the voice of God. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
The heart that spends time upon the spiritual hilltop gains strength for the duties waiting below.
Yet we do not remain on the mountain forever. Peter wished to build shelters on the mount of transfiguration, but the Lord led His disciples back down among the needy crowds (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:14-19).
The purpose of the hilltop is not escape but preparation. We ascend to receive grace and descend to distribute it. We draw near to God so that we may better serve our neighbors. Communion with heaven equips us for faithfulness on earth (Isaiah 40:31).
One day, however, God’s people shall stand upon the highest hilltop of all. The struggles of this age will lie behind them. The mysteries that troubled them will be answered.
From that glorious height, every winding road will reveal the wisdom of the One who guided them. Then we shall confess that every step of the journey was ordered in love (Romans 8:28).
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Our gracious Father, lift our eyes above the dust of earthly anxieties and teach us to see life through the light of Your promises. Strengthen our faith when the valley seems dark and the path uncertain. Keep our hearts fixed upon Christ until the day we stand before Him in everlasting joy. Through Jesus our Lord, Amen.
BDD
