Nature's Steeples.....

I would like to share this devotion by Fr. James McKarns from Living Faith Devotional that I read each day as it describes mountains as Nature's Steeples - a wonderful concept!

Psalm 24:3
"Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord?"

"In biblical times, the people often referred to mountains as places where God dwelt.  On top of various mountains, once can find a church, temple or monastery.  I have been on a few of the famous biblical mountains and experienced deep religious sentiments.  It was a beautiful spring morning on Mount Tabor when I joined with others to celebrate the Mass of the Transfiguration.  Like Peter, James and John, I also wanted to stay longer.  When on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, there was a very slight rain trickling down a chapel window, like tears.  On Mount Calvary, I will always remember the unrestrained sobbing of a young woman with others kneeling, heads reverently bowed.  With my mountain spirituality at Mass, I always emphasize the words, "lift up your hearts."  The mountains are nature's church steeples urging us to keep looking up."

Wow!  Can you imagine visiting all those famous mountains and having a personal, spiritual experience on each one like those described above?  I can!!!  And, I may just have to make that my life goal to do just that in the next 5-10 years.....

Where is it that you want to linger longer?  Stay longer?  Remain until all the tears are shed?
One of my favorite Psalms in the Bible is Psalm 121.  I read it at my grandfather's funeral and my mom's memorial service, too.  It is simply beautiful:
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help....." (KJV)

Where does your help come from?  For me, it has always been God.  For whatever reason, I have known all of my life that lifting my eyes to the hills or higher places such as mountains has helped me focus on the help that God himself offers all of us...if only we will look up when we need help!

As the Psalm says, The Lord IS our shade at our right hand...He keeps Israel and He keeps us.  The Lord preserves us from all evil.  He preserves our soul.  He preserves our going out and our coming in - forever!

God keeps His promises.  Check it out!  Find any promise in the Bible and see if He won't keep it for you.  One of my favorites is from Isaiah 43:1-3:  "Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name.  You are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.  When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel."  Wow - that promise is incredible.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us!  Never!

I miss church steeples.  They are so majestic!!!  And, so is God!  His majesty cannot compare with anything else!  Nothing compares.

So, where is your steeple to remind you of where to turn for help?  What part of nature makes you think about our Creator?  Is there a mountain that makes you feel God's immensity?  Or, is it a hill at the park where you walk each day where you can see below and be in awe of the beauty you see? 

Where are you most reminded that you need to look up and ask for help?  Maybe it is "Knee Prints" by your bed in the morning or church every Sunday.  Wherever that place is, go there often!  Even if it is only a google image or picture on your computer or in a book!!! Remind yourself to look at Mount Tabor or Mount Calvary or the Mount of Olives in your heart.  You will find God waiting there - just for you!!!