In Boise where I live, summertime means one thing: everyone is plotting their escape to the mountains. The accompanying explanation, often given without prompting, is: “We just have to get out of this heat!” Your friend then shakes her head with longsuffering, as if she’d just come on covered wagon through the deserts of Nevada.
But there’s a deeper reason than seeking cooler elevation. Escaping into the unspoiled beauty of nature replenishes your soul. Even non-hunter-fishers like myself, who are hard pressed to survive without our coffee frother, much less with only the supplies on our backs, can hear the mountains calling. Why? What does hiking the mountains do for you that you can’t get by turning up your A/C while riding your stationary bike? Trying to explain the value of nature is like trying to explain a joke. Something gets lost in the telling.
But it’s worth considering. What is it that unifies nature explorers and spectators alike? What is it that brings together the eco-conservationist with threadbare t-shirt and the scope-wielding hunter decked in camo? Wonder. Nature has the power to restore wonder to the worn out. It inspires awe. Mountains inspire reverence, and quiet, and peace. They whisper transcendence. It’s no surprise that human beings throughout history, when falling short of the Creator, have worshiped creation.
You go into nature to get away from it all. By “it all,” you mean the hustle and bustle of stressed-out people and your own daily survival. But you also mean your self. The secret power of nature is its ability to take you out of yourself. You get lost in something bigger and grander, something strange and spectacular. You feel the amazing freedom and joy that comes in forgetting about yourself while you admire something else.
That’s what God wants for you. But he doesn’t want you to stop there. Psalm 19:1-2 says “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” God is talking to you daily about himself in the book of nature. You’re meant to enjoy it in a similar way to a beautiful painting, a powerful movie, or a thrilling sports match. You’re meant to get lost in it.
The point is more than escape, however. God wants your enjoyment of nature to lead you up to him. When you remember how big and glorious the mountains are, and how small you are, you glimpse a fraction of the gap between you and God. Then you go on to things like stars and galaxies, and you’re still only scratching the surface.
People talk about how a good spell in the mountains gets their mind right. No doubt. The more you obsess over yourself, the more you collapse inward. So get out into the mountains and remember that you’re meant to be occupied with the greatest thing in life, and it’s not you.
An earlier version of this article was initially published in the Star Courier
12 comments
Jesse Taylor
Thanks for this article. We are a mountain and ski family that in God’s good providence has been transplanted to the beautiful western South Dakota prairies. Recently, I hiked Mt. Lindsay with my 26 year old son and his two 20 something-year-old friends. We had a wonderful time and it was the most challenging 14er I have ever climbed in my 55 years! The beauty, the challenge, the majesty, the formations, the marmots, the camaraderie all scream of the glory of God! Thankful for such amazing times!
Justin N. Poythress
Wow that sounds amazing. Louis Armstrong was onto something: “I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”
Sandy
Great article. His majesty is seen constantly around us. Like we often say after we’ve been to the mountains, whether Montana, Utah, Idaho or Switzerland…if you don’t believe in God…visit his handiwork..and you will be changed.
Part of living in the joy of the Lord, is to enjoy His nature every day. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Sandy! Absolutely. We just need eyes to see his reflected glory.
Marty Sudac
“The more you obsess over yourself, the more you collapse inward.” Justin, that is such a powerful and accurate word picture. I want to remember that phrase.
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks very much. Really good to get outside of you.
Bassam Nader
Beautifully written, Justin. You reminded me of my boyhood years, growing up in the mountains of Lebanon with their breathtaking, magnificent scenery. Oh how I miss the mountains!! They truly bring you closer to your Creator. Other than a few mountain experiences in Colorado, Europe, and elsewhere the last ~5 decades, the Lord has seen fit to let me get stuck in the American flatlands all these years. I often joke with newly arrived Coloradans to Indiana where we live whether they have relocated because of the mountains. Nonetheless, one learns to expand on the Apostle Paul’s declaration, “I have learned the secret of contentment …” (Phil. 4:12-13). For me, “I have learned the secret of contentment whether on the mountain top or in the flatlands; I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” 🙂
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Bassam. Indiana has its own sort of beauty you can get lost in. You’re doing well on learning this contentment secret
Brett Weston
Great insights. I live in Colorado and when I am at the top of a 14,000 foot peak in the middle of winter. Deep snow and mountains as far as you can see. Nothing to sustain life. If it wasn’t for my clothing and supplies I would die. Everything “evolutionary” in me should be filled with fear and want to get out of there as soon as possible. But I linger and am immediately drawn to the majesty and wonder of God. The mountains are greater than I am, and hold my life in their hands, and that draws me to wonder in awe at the One who made them. I get a big smile on my face as I summit, rather than thinking, “I shouldn’t be here.” And it’s then that I know that I was made to worship what is ultimate in the universe. The One who was and is and is to come. Who holds all life and beauty and power in His hands. To me it is a sign that we are more than just evolved creatures made from matter, motion, time and chance. But we were made to be worshippers of God!
Justin N. Poythress
Wow that’s really well said and sums it up better than me. “The mountains declare the glory of God.” Your church name captures it well too!
Jeff Lynch
Beautifully written, Justin. You’ve captured a taste of what we experience in God’s majestic creation. I’m reminded of Revelation 1:15b: “… and his voice was like the roar of many waters.” My wife Karen and I recently hiked to Tumalo Falls near Bend, Oregon. Like God, the sound of the falls was powerful and awe inspiring, yet simultaneously gracious and comforting.
Justin N. Poythress
That sounds fantastic and transcendent!