The Music of the Mountains

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:1-11 ESV).

In our world we are seeing more people who are genuinely seeking to hear from God. We need to know that God is real and listens to us.

Almost every year for the past forty-two years my family and I have taken a vacation through the Smoky Mountains. It was a family tradition with my wife long before it became one for us. However, it has always been a great source of joy and peace through the years. Even when we were pressed for time and could only spend a few days there, we couldn’t resist the call of those green lush mountains. The quiet and the solitude of a “quiet walkway” were too great a lure for us. When the boys were smaller we often made the drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. It is a winding mountain road that contains some of the most spectacular views of the Smokies. Later we discovered the peaceful setting of Cade’s Cove. A trip to the mountains was not complete until we made our way to that part of the National Park and made our way around the loop road watching the deer and listening to the sounds of the mountains.

Early in the trek I began to turn off the radio and roll the windows down in the car, as we would drive along. Of course, they would ask, “What are you doing, Dad?” My reply was always the same: “I’m listening to the music of the mountains.” They complained at first that they couldn’t hear anything. Then I reminded them that to hear it they had to really, really listen.

What a picture of the presence of God! He is all around and within us. However, we often find it difficult to hear Him. The sounds of the world drown out the quiet music of His voice. In your present crisis, whatever it may be, really, really listen, and you will hear Him reassure you of His strength and power. David was right when he sang: God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.