Encouragement

Uphill Insanity

by Tanya Tufanova 
02/14/21
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Heart in throat, my fingers gripped the steering wheel. They squeezed so hard my knuckles turned white, yet I continued up the mountain. As my car crawled up the steep incline, my eyes skittered to the side.

CAUTION: FALLING ROCKS, a sign said as my car inched by.

Yikes, I thought.

I strove at keeping my eyes on the slender road, but they scampered sidewards again, this time noticing a searing drop either side.

Don’t look down, I implored, but with the road as narrow as it was, that was near impossible. My eyes flittered sideways once more spying, far off into the distance, soaring, brown cliffs, a white splash trickling down their sheer sides.

Waterfalls, of course.

But then, a less inspiring sight, a car laying on its side below the road, encircled by POLICE-ARE-AWARE tape.

Dear Jesus, don’t let that happen to me.

Further on, the road became a fraction safer, and nestled amongst long bamboo; a rolling, green field; and a majestic, perpendicular precipice, I spotted a pure-white chapel surrounded by chalet-style shanties.

MEDITATION REFUGE the sign said, the subtitle announcing Seeking peace? Enrol in one of our relaxing contemplation weekends.

Peace, relaxation, calm? I thought. More like fear, terror, anxiety.

My eyes caught sight of another sign on the same premises. CCTV CAMERAS IN OPERATION it said.

Well, in such a secluded area, passing thieves, rapists, or even murderers could easily prey on this commune. This place must be terrifying at night. Anything could lurk in its shadows.

As the mountain road became hazardous again, a Bible verse hummed through my head – I will lift my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth.

And so, this mountain journey made me thankful I belong to Jesus who instead of demanding I ascend towering mountains to gain peace, descended his Hill to give me true inner peace. Instead of trekking to a special place to find it, His peace rests inside me no matter where I go. It can’t be stolen, molested, or killed. It doesn’t need security cameras to prevent it disappearing because God’s peace is incorruptible. As the book of Ezra says, perfect peace, and at such a time.

Psalm 121:1 ESV

Ezra 7:12 KJV