One of the things I love to do on my beach stays, is to climb to the Trigg station above Bowentown domain, because you can see “the world” from there! But it is a steep climb. Once it used to be a muddy track, and you would slip and slide your way up. Now it is a sealed path but remains just as steep. Afterall, it is a hill you are climbing.
When you climb uphill, your eyes are usually on the ground. Mainly that’s because you are looking out for obstacles and things that will trip you. You look for the surest footing as you work at steadying your breathing. (I confess to pulling off the path just to stop and take in the Tauranga bar to the harbour, or the tree lined expanse of the northern shore of Matakana Island, just so I can control the huffing and puffing of my lungs!)
I believe the path to the Temple in Jerusalem is uphill.
Psalm 121:1 -4, reminds everyone who climbs towards the temple to lift their eyes. To look towards the destination and to remember exactly Who it is that makes the climb worthwhile.
I lift my eyes to the hills
From where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber
Behold, he who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep..
It’s the destination that makes the climb worthwhile. It’s what is waiting for us at the top.
Life can be like an uphill walk. It can have obstacles in the way, that take our eyes away from looking up to looking down.
Ask yourself:
What are the obstacles in my way?
Am I out of breath or am I making steady progress up the path?
Pray:
Lord, wherever I am in life, I want to journey towards You. Please give me strength to keep climbing, and wisdom to avoid things that would trip me. I choose to look up from my problems and look to the One who keeps my life in His hands.
Amen
Carole