Up on the mountain

"The Mountain" - Steven Curtis Chapman

"I want to build a house up on this mountain
Way up high where the peaceful waters flow
To quench my thirsty soul up on the mountain

I can see for miles up on this mountain
Troubles seem so small they almost disappear
Lord I love it here up on the mountain

My faith is strengthened by all that I see
You make it easy for me to believe up on the mountain
Oh, up on the mountain

I would love to live up on this mountain
And keep the pain of living life so far away
But I know I can't stay, ohh.. up on the mountain

I said I'd go Lord wherever you lead
For where you are is where I most want to be
And I can tell we're headed for the valley (yes we are)
My faith is strengthened by all that I've seen
So Lord help me remember what you've shown me
Up on the mountain

You bring me up here on the mountain
For me to rest and learn and grow
I see the truth up on the mountain
And I carry it to the world far below
So as I go down to the valley
Knowing that you will go with me
This is my prayer Lord help me to remember what you showed me
Up on the mountain
Up on the mountain

I cherish these times up on the mountain
But I can leave this place because I know
Someday you'll take me home to live forever
Up on the mountain"

I think this must be my all time favourite song. I first heard it 15 years ago and from time to time, as I get to listen to it, I am reminded that finding strength in God's presence must lead to a further purpose.

As I listen to the song again in preparation for follow up, I realised that the song is also meant to minister to me in this season and to remind me once again of how I need to relook at and reprioritize my life goals.

In meditating on the lyrics of the song, I realised that truly, at the bottom of my heart, where God's presence is where I really want to be, that his presence is all I seek and all I need. I also realised that when the idea of building my house up on the mountain no longer appeals to me as much, it's time to ask that question: Even as I am serving delightfully, where am I finding my delight in? Is it a delight that is driven by others' approval? Is it a delight drive by habit? Or is it a delight driven by adrenalin?

In hosting an overseas guest this weekend, I am once again encouraged by these few people who gave so much of their time, energy and resources in ministry. As I was telling them how inspiring and encouraging to see them put their priorities on the things of God, this person responded," I guess you put your time into what gives you life." That's a pretty profound revelation for me.

I guess the question for me this season is this: what gives me life? I hope to prayerfully realign my life goals and priorities based on what's truly important in preparation for a new year.
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