Magnificent
No matter how many times I see this mountain, it awes me. Makes me speechless, and that’s saying something!
Recently, I visited Mt. St. Helens with family members. We like to go up there and soak in the bigness of this scene. We walk around the grounds across from the open cone where the 1980 explosion occurred. We read the signs that explain the ecosystem now doing ongoing new growth. We pause to take our photos of each other and mostly—just gawk. It absolutely cannot be taken in with photos. Even the panorama isn’t enough.
The mountain and its slopes are immense.
We might pretend the power isn’t really there because it bubbles under the surface where it can’t be seen. The mountain stands peacefully, though the valley around it testifies otherwise.
But one day, again, it will blow with fierce explosion.
Power and Communication
Power is displayed here. Even in a sleeping phase. Even silent, at present, the force of eruption is overwhelming.
I wondered what it was like when God descended upon Mt. Horeb in the Sinai when Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Possibly that terrain could have been much like what we see at Mt. St. Helens now. When God descended in might and majesty, fire and smoke came with Him. Thunders and lightnings, a thick cloud, a quaking mountain and the long, loud sound of the trumpet made the people in the camp tremble.
Whew!
God then communicated with His people through Moses.
It was always about God communicating with His people. It still is.
Good, Good God
What does it take to get our attention?
No other energy comes close to God. We wage wars across our planet. We devise all kinds of ways to force our will upon one another—even to the point of annihilation. But it is all futile when we stand before the immense power of God beyond the universe.
Yet, He is our good, good God and Father who loves us. His might and power take gentle directions as He guides and leads us in our daily lives. Even through hard stuff that we don’t understand. He has purpose in everything.
He does what is best in every circumstance for us.
He is immense. Beyond our possible comprehension yet loves us intimately.
He is trustworthy to do what enriches our lives beyond measure—no matter what it looks like.
We are safe in His power.
“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26 NKJV).
We might pretend the power isn’t really there because it bubbles under the surface where it can’t be seen. The mountain stands peacefully, though the valley around it testifies otherwise.
What a powerfully refreshing post. Thank you, Linda Jo!
Mary, thank you. Sorry its taken so long to respond. But visiting Mt. St. Helens was a good trip. And a good reminder of the true Power!