Head For the Hills

By Caron Cline

Burke County

This summer has been one of the hottest and most humid of the last several years. Outside activities, whether work or play, seem to drain every ounce of energy and can even be dangerous for some. Extreme heat tends to bring out the worst in people, resulting in short tempers that strain even the best of relationships.

At this point, a new perspective is needed. It’s time to ‘head for the hills’ for some recalibration. The air smells sweeter, the trees greener, the streams clearer, and the beauty of those rolling hills calms the restless mind. A short hike, a walk through a mountain town, and a picnic with a scenic view are all opportunities to allow the stress to melt away.

The same thing that happens in the natural can also happen in the spiritual. Spiritual fatigue, discouragement, bursts of anger, and lack of peace overtake our thoughts and feelings. The fires of tribulation sweep across our souls and threaten to destroy every ounce of our faith. Thankfully, the Word of God includes a fire extinguisher.

Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I lift my eyes to the hills; from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Jerusalem was always considered the mountain of God, and those who traveled to the city were always moving upward. This world system breeds stress, fear, anger, frustration, bitterness, and a host of other negative emotions and attitudes. The enemy hurls these fiery darts against the children of God with the intent of destroying their testimony.

Our only hope for deliverance is to seek the Lord. This Psalm reminds God’s children that He is their helper, their keeper, and their protector. Lifting our eyes to the hills reminds us that our Father is higher than anything threatening to tear us down. He created the heavens, the earth, and all that is within; therefore, He is certainly able to deliver His people out of the fiery furnace of spiritual burnout.

The God of heaven and earth never slumbers and is ever watching over His children, keeping them safe from harm. The Lord’s hand steadies believers, preventing their feet from slipping as they walk the path of righteousness. Lastly, the Father protects the souls of His people, guarding them from all evil. He always oversees every move of every Christian.

Lifting our eyes to those things that are above and spending time in the presence of the Father relieves all stress, worry, and anxiety caused by the intense heat of worldly trials and temptations. After all, the Lord makes us lie down in the greenest of pastures, leads us beside those still mountain streams, and even prepares a table, a picnic, for us in the presence of our enemies. “Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.”

When the heat threatens to overwhelm you, head to the hills!

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Caron is a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. She loves to teach the word of God.

Her desire is to see every believer grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.

You can read more Christian News from Caron HERE.

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