For Matt, going to Mount St. Helens is like something on par with my kids getting to go to Disney World, or my Dad getting to meet Mike Schmidt, or me getting to preach on a Sunday morning in church. And since it was only an hour and a half drive from Ted and Nancy’s, we headed out yesterday after an early lunch. One of the guides said it was perfect for viewing--a clear blue without a cloud in the sky kind of day.Matt and I followed a trail alongside a mountain so he could look at the “geology.” He was the only person with his back to the volcano looking at the ground. I was having fun taking pictures--250 of them. The one above is my favorite. The trail was pretty deserted except for us, so I sat and just took in Helen for a bit. If you’ve never been there, it’s hard to describe its enormous presence. The thought that came to my mind was this…even great mountains fall apart. Or in this case blow apart.
There are many passages in scripture that liken God to a rock or a mountain. Often in the last few years God has seemed more like an erupting volcano than a solid rock in my life. The truth is that each of those metaphors fall short of God. God is greater than all mountains: He created them, He sustains them, and He blows them to pieces at will.
My soul feels a lot like Helen right now: a big cavern where my ins and outsides have been blown apart and lots of ash is spread over the ground.
Matt came and sat by me with his collection of rocks, and we looked at Helen together. A couple weeks ago I wrote a song. So I asked him if he wanted to hear it. He nodded. Into the great valley of ash I sang these words:
He is my shelter
He is my piece
He surrounds me
The mountains shall turn back
The hills disappear
He shall remain here
Matt kissed my cheek and said, “I love you.”
Even with the lava simmering in the caverns of my heart,
Even with the big hole in my soul,
Even with all the ash on the ground,
I knew it was true.
I love you too Matt.
“For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10
Even with all the ash on the ground,
I knew it was true.
I love you too Matt.
“For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10
3 comments:
Becky, I love the pictures...I think Isaiah states it well. I read Psalm 40 this morning and then as I read your blog, Psalm 46speaks to his refuge and strength and I believe God is in the midst (vs.5)and He is our refuge and high tower.
Pslam 46 (Amplified Bible)
1GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas,
3Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
4There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
5God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning].
6The nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
8Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth.
9He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.
10Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
11The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Our fortress and strenght,
love, jean
Becky - thanks for the insights. Interesting that you ended your post with Isaiah 54. That was a chapter that my friend, El suggested to me today as I have "hit the wall" with things. I am so glad that in the midst of all the eruptions, disruptions, questions and pain - that you are sensing God's presence.
I also am so thankful that your dear husband saw beyond all of his own pain and reached out to meet you where you are. That is a blessing that is without price.
Continued prayer for you both -
Love and hugs,
Carol
My reading for this morning took me to Isaiah 51:3
"For the Lord will comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places. And He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song or intrument of praise." (amplified Bible)
May you walk in the garden with our Father and may He whisper that you are His own.
Prayers and love,
jean
Post a Comment