the Rock that is higher than i

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." - Psalm 61:2

Mountains and valley surround us - spiritually, emotionally, physically and literally. THey are a constant presence within our loves. Many times we fight the changes in altitude. We struggle against the terrain. We try and find a shortcut around them, only to have to turn back and begin again.

As humans, we want an easy life. A wide, smooth & flat road would seem to suit us well. It's easy. It's predictable. There is no doubt, no questions, not need to lift a finger, no need to consult a map or pay much attention. But are we happy with that? Would that truly satisfy you?

Of course not! There is no life, no excitement, no challenge, no sense of accomplishment. we live for thrills and memories. We live for life and vibrance. We can't find that on the easy road.

This summer, I took a drive. At the suggestion of a close friend, I headed to the top of a nearby mountain in North Carolina. Not knowing what I would find, I headed in the general direction. Reaching the base of the mountain, I began the climb (by car, of course...). A the bas, it was dark. The sky was hidden because of a canopy of trees. The road was steep and filled with twists and turns. No real sense of direction was to be found, except up. I only knew that I was climbing higher and higher. I had to trust that the road would lead me to the top.

Once I reached the parking lot, I got out and again followed another path. This time it was much less traveled and somewhat hidden. But then, all of the sudden, I stepped out onto a huge rock and looked out. My breath was stolen away by God's great creation reaching into the endless horizon. What a view! What a God!!

And then I looked below my feet - a rock. A huge, solid and unmovable rock held me safely so that I could stand and take in God's majesty. It wasn't going anywhere, yet I was everywhere.

Isn't that just like our walk with Christ? When we are at the bottom of the mountain, we can't see anything. It's dark and daunting. All we know to do is to start walking up toward Him. The path to the mountain top is always crazy. It's full of trials and setback. Doors are shut, then opened and then shut again. Switchbacks are everywhere. But then the trees begin to thin. The sun - or should I say Son - begins to shine through everything. The path levels off. We step out of the trials and tribulations and look out. In front of us lies God's majesty. The big picture that we have been searching for unfolds in front of our eyes. We see how beautiful the valley is because of the great growth that occurred. We praise God for creating and molding that growth in us through the long climb to the top.

And then we look below our feet. We see the great and mighty Rock that has been holding us strong the entire time. We see our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. We see how He has been our firm foundation that allows us to stand on the mountaintop and declare God's goodness and faithfulness.

He is always the Rock that is higher than I.

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my Rock, my Fortress and my Deliverer; my God is my Rock, in whom I take my refuge." - Psalm 18:1-2

my love to you in Christ Jesus,

ashleigh

weather the walk

"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

He does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, 'fall on the earth,'

and to the rain shower, 'be a mighty downpour.'

so that all men He has made may know His work,

He stops every man from his labor."

- job 37:5-7

for the last week or so in tallahassee, we have had some extreme weather. from monsooning rain to glorious blue skies to unexpected cold snaps - we've pretty much had it. not too sure why, but it has come nevertheless.

isn't that how our walk with God is? we go through it all. whether the changes in the wind are constant and daily or drawn out over years, we must weather the changes.

there are days that it pours rain spiritually. i am wet, tired and depressed during those times. yet, at the end of the rainy spell - a glorious sun comes out to warm the earth. the same thing happens in my walk with God. at the end of my rainy spells - a glorious SON comes out and warms my life and fosters growth with the supplication that came from the rain.

some days we're hot and on fire (just like 95 degree weather here in florida). but other days, it's like an overnight freeze. still, our Father is still in control. at the end of the day, at the end of the season - His Son comes out.

job tells us in chapter 37 that God controls and commands the weather we see effect this earth. if our God controls the physical weather so that it allows growth and abundance, how much more will He control the weather in our lives?

our Father is the ultimate weatherman. He has the doppler radar - God edition. nothing sneaks up on Him, nothing surprises Him, nothing is out of His control.

throughout the rain, snow, clouds, cold and heat, our Father is constantly watching and growing us. if it weren't for the rain, we would never full appreciate the glorious warmth and life of the Son.

"praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are His.

He changes the times and seasons;

He sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

he reveals deep and hidden things;

He knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with Him."

- daniel 2:20-22

so weather the walk and know that the Son is never far away.

my love to you in Christ Jesus,

ashleigh

still i will follow

"though none go with me

still i will follow

no turning back,

no turning back."

old hymn, right? true words though.

it's a fact folks. you are going to go through hard times. no matter what things may seem, tomorrow always brings new surprises - both good and bad.

but, here is the one thing i consistently learn. regardless of what goes on around me, my God remains constant, steadfast and unwavering. no matter the circumstance, my God reigns. forever - yes, forever - His kingdom reigns. He continues to rule over the earth. His sun continues to shine on us. His Son continues to intercede for us. still i will follow.

through thick and thin, hard and easy, fun and grueling - whatever life brings, or to be frank, whatever satan attempts to throw at us - He IS in control. when i am tired, His joy is my strength. and most importantly, no one - no scheme of man or satan - can ever take away my salvation or snatch me out of my Father's hand. my soul, the essence of my being, is safe and sound, comforted and guided by the Holy Spirit and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. no turning back.

praise be to God.

"now therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands." - deuteronomy 7:9

He's faithful folks. His Word is true. never forget, never stop loving Him, never turn back. keep following even though none may go with you. don't turn back. God is with you.

still i will follow.

my love to you in Christ Jesus,

Ashleigh