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5th October: The Wrong Mountain

Happy are those who trust the Lord, who do not turn to idols or join those who worship false gods. Psalm 40:4 (GNB)

As I sat on a log at the top of the pass, I looked up to the white stony mountain and its newly green trees. An hour more and I could be at the top.

I had met such challenges in the past, but this time is was different. My knee was hurting from the chipped cartilage from a previous injury. I knew that climbing this mountain might mean that I would not be able to walk at some point soon in my life. I wondered whether giving in to my desire to climb the mountain was worth that price. It certainly would benefit no one else. I was helping no one but myself, and I was not sure I was even doing that.

So I bade farewell to the mountain, turned back, and resolved to stay healthy in order to serve God.

Dear Lord, please help us to keep the mountains of our lives from
becoming false gods. Give us a clear vision of your will for us,
as Jesus had when he prayed, `Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in
earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen'.

Thought for the Day.

• With God's help, we can distinguish between worthy challenges and empty challenges.

DJB

Reprinted from The Upper Room. Copyright (Sep 5, 1981) by The Upper Room, 1908 Grand Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee. Used by permission.