April 6

GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS
by Ray Prinzing

"They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which Thou hast founded for them."                                                                          (Psalm 104:8).

There is a place which God has founded, prepared for His people, and with utmost assurance we can declare Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of Thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which Thou hast made for Thee to dwell in, the Sanctuary, O Lord, which Thy hands have established."  (Exodus 15:17). But in our journey onward, while He steadily guides us unerringly toward that dwelling place in Himself, we find there are often "mountain experiences" to be encountered, and that HE is Victory for them all.

"They go up by the mountains."  The Hebrew word "alah" meaning to go up, is also given as "arose" in reference to the morning, as the sun seemingly arises until it reaches the glory of the noon-day.  When we first begin this SPIRITUAL ASCENT, perhaps it may be feeble and slow, as we make our way through the shadows and symbols, reaching out for every new ray of light that we might more clearly discern our way.  But "He is that true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."  (John 1:9), and He goes before us, growing brighter as we travel on.

However rough the upward climb may seem to be, through all our mountains He makes a way, and we can say with the Psalmist, "He makes my feet lie hinds' feet (able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble); He sets me securely upon my high places."  (Psalm 18:33).

Between the rocks with passage winding,
Under crags and o'er the peaks,
Grateful for the holy Spirit's guiding,
And that our soul He safely keeps.
Ev'ry mountain of thy Father's choosing
Fills the purpose meant for thee,
All the upward struggle, all the bruising,
Until from self you are made free.