When God Speaks in the Mountains

Mountains

MountainsStay there. Stand in that spot while I do this.

Last month I shared how God spoke to me at the beach on a family vacation. And every year in the fall, I journey to the great Smoky mountains of Tennessee on an annual girls trip.

Three high school friends embark on an autumn getaway for good fellowship, great food, and a view of the mountains that takes our breath.

We smile and laugh. Become teary and cry. Chat and deeply talk. Window shop and purchase. Work a little and play a lot. Discuss God’s Word and pray words to God.

The mountains provide the scenic backdrop to a beautiful Gatlinburg cabin.

Here’s my review: I give the place and trip an astounding two thumbs-up. In this case, Two Paws Up—the cabin name.

Whatever life’s current season or scenic backdrop, God speaks to me in real and wondrous ways.

Thumbs-up lessons from God:

A View With Truth

Normally excited, fear gripped my heart on this particular trip. Vexed with an uncertain medical issue and a troubled week, I was booted out of town worried about the unknown. One minute I was fine, the next, my mind imagined the worst case scenario.

As I sat on the cabin deck with a glorious view of the mountains, God’s Word ushered img_0514_fotorin a glorious perspective. The Lord whispered, “Karen, Guard your heart with truth…my truth.” God taught me when I stay focused on Him, His review of my life is an astounding two thumbs-up.

God’s Word gives us the proper perspective in every season of life.

The Lord continually brought me to a place of truth. The stronghold of fear had filled my imaginations with quick and often false assumptions. The remedy according to 2 Corinthians 2:3-5, For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

A Heart of Courage

People reach out to me weekly to convey their current heartaches and for prayer. I reminded myself, I’m supposed to be the strong one. Still, what if’s plagued my heart adding another silent symptom no one knew.

I want to be brave and courageous. But sometimes I’m a fragile warrior. My heart cowards under the weight of terror. So. I. Pretend. The Lord inquired, “Karen, who do you belong to? Who is the source of your strength?” 

Bravery is always lost when I rely on my own strength. 

God taught me when my hands and heart are raised exalting Him, strength and bravery are increased. I wanted the moments I lacked courage booted out of my life. The remedy according to Psalm 138:2-3, I bow down toward your temple and give thanks to your name…for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. 

A Purpose to Accomplish 

MountiansStay there. Stand in that spot while I do this. Taking pictures in front of the cabin, Teresa asked me to stay in place until while she showed Karen how to use the camera function on her phone. Then Teresa would join me for a picture.  Impatient, I decided to entertain with funny faces and jumps heavenwards.

The Lord nudged, “Stay there. Stand in that spot while I do this.” That’s it! The Lord is in control. Nothing can thwart His plans for me. I have a calling on my life.

When I stay where the Lord places me, He does a work.

No matter what happens in life, God is still full of mercy, love, and goodness. God taught me to trust His plan to give me hope, purpose, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Hard places and the unknown are intended to set our hope fully on God. Whatever happens, God is still God and He is still in control.

People, the enemy, or worries of life often blind me to God’s purpose. The remedy according to Psalm 138:8, The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

The Lord has a purpose for you. For your life.

  • Stay focused on God and His truth.
  • Keep your hands and heart raised exalting Christ. Jesus is brave for you.
  • Stay where He places you while He does a work.

Author’s note: On the return of this trip, my uncertain medical issue turned out to be nothing serious. I’m grateful and continue to trust in God’s purposes no matter what each season brings my way.

Karen Friday

Whether the spoken or written word, Karen thrives in moving an audience to experience laughter, tears, surprise, and deep reflection. She not only possesses an affection for words (just ask her family), but she also cherishes God’s Word. Karen is an award-winning writer who has published both devotions and articles with a mission to know Jesus more and make Him known. She contributes to several national sites while she works on her first non-fiction book. In the blogging world, she is referred to as “Girl Friday” where she shares a central message: you are never far from hope. And she considers her life as a pastor’s wife and women’s ministry leader a sacred calling. Karen and her husband Mike reside in East Tennessee and have two grown children and two grandchildren. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday.” They owe Monday an apology. Connect with her blog community, Hope is Among Us.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook

9 comments

    1. Sandy, thank you for commenting. God’s Word gives us the proper perspective in every season of life. May we be reminded His truth is what matters most. Blessings, friend.

  1. A beautiful article filled with hope. Thanks for letting us know that you are okay. Although you waited until the end of the article!
    Yes, I agree: “God’s Word gives us the proper perspective in every season of life.”

  2. It’s something about mountains that God speaks His commandments,His provision, His promise, His provision, His plans. I imagine you too, experienced some of what Moses did, up on the mountain. Very good read, Karen. God bless.

    1. Amen, Shira. Thank you for that word and for commenting. Yes, every trip to the mountains I wonder if there are any similarities with Moses and God’s people who heard Him speak in that setting. I do know this, with a glorious view of the mountains, God’s Word ushered in a glorious perspective. Blessings!

Comments are closed.