Abundant RainSample

Hinds Feet in High Places

A hind is a female red deer over the age of three years old. What is remarkable about a hind is her ability to place her back feet in the exact spot where her front feet stepped—not one inch off!

This gives her tremendous agility and sure-footedness. She can run with abandon because she is always in step and never off track.

This is especially useful when she is being chased by a predator. She can elude the danger of her enemy by traversing difficult terrain.

She can climb higher and higher up the mountain. The enemy can't go to the high place; the high place is what gives her refuge and safety.

There are many instances in the Bible where we can see God meeting someone on a mountain—in the high place. It is not an easy climb, but this is where his presence is. God is in the high place while the enemy remains helpless in the valley. 

Moses climbed Mount Sinai approximately eight times to meet with the Lord. Moses encountered many life-altering experiences on the mountain. The Lord revealed much to him about his love for his people and the laws he wanted them to follow. 

Moses received wisdom and guidance from the Lord on that mountain. He was forever changed—even physically—by his encounters with God on his holy mountain.

Micah 4:2 says, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord...He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." Psalm 24:3 says, "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who many stand in his holy place?" 

This is where the King of Glory is waiting to give us clean hands and a pure heart. He wants to meet us in the high and holy place to give us a blessing and a vindication (Psalm 24:5).

Beloved friend, if you are going through something difficult today, remember the hind. Remember that God gives us a way to escape the pursuit of the enemy. He helps us climb and reach the high place of his presence.

If you are in the flat and barren wilderness today, ascend the mountain and meet with the King of Glory. Spend time in his Word, meditate, pray, listen to worship music, and sing and dance before him.

May your feet always go where he goes. May you always remember that you can go to the high place and feel the safety of his divine protection. 

Going to the Well Journal Prompt

Sherpas are an ethnic group of people from Nepal who have lived at the high altitudes of the Himalayan mountains for generations. Many serve as guides for foreigners who come to test their skill and endurance on a journey to reach the top of Mount Everest. 

What is remarkable about this group of people is their ability to climb the mountain with prowess. They have the amazing ability to endure the extreme change in altitude. The lack of oxygen and altitude sickness are two of the most difficult parts that foreigners have to overcome.

From studying the Sherpas, researchers have discovered that, over time, their bodies adapted to the rigorous effects of altitude changes like no other people. Essentially, they are so used to being on the mountain, they are no longer affected by it. The mountain life has become a part of their DNA.

How can you become a spiritual Sherpa? How can you train your spirt, mind, soul, and body to ascend the mountain with ease? 

What additions or subtractions can you make from your daily routine that can help you create a mountain life?

Drinking the Living Water

God of the mountaintop, I come to you today from the valley. The mountain looks so big and so hard to climb. I know that, like the hind, I can go to the high place where you are waiting for me. I long for the mountaintop experience. I know that I will be forever changed when I reach your presence. The enemy cannot follow me there; it will be just you and me. Sweet Jesus, I am willing, ready, and able to make that difficult climb. I can see you. Your arms are open wide and you are saying to me, "Come up. I will teach you my ways". Thank you for your loving guidance. In Jesus name I pray.

Amen.