Love's Point of View

A major river curves through the valley town I call home. The view is magnificent from the foothills, especially a spot that’s well-earned its reputation as “lover’s leap.” Not that local lovers actually leap (as did some historical lovers elsewhere, giving us the nickname)--but you get the picture. I like the view from there during the daytime, as it takes my heart to the opening verse of Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

In recent blogs I have used photos of natural things--swamps, rocks, birds, and paths—for often it’s in the midst of God’s creation that we re-encounter the truths about Him. Psalm 121 is just one example. Years ago I shared with a friend how its imagery of "looking up to the hills" helped me during uncertainty and loss. Later, she wrote me how much she appreciated thinking of the psalm that way. In verses 1 and 2, “looking up” reminds us of how we instinctively look “up” to heaven, and also recalls how Christ ascended to Heaven through a cloud until He was seen no more. Though we don’t know Heaven’s location, God has given us the visual of “up.” “The hills” are a symbol of strength—God Himself, who orchestrates whatever help we need through circumstances and through the human agents of spiritual leaders, other believers, family and friends.

Starting with verse 3, the psalmist affirms God’s character and trustworthiness. It’s helpful to remember that this psalm was one of the “ascent” songs that pilgrims sang as they “ascended” into the highlands where Jerusalem was situated. In those days of primitive transportation through hostile areas, anything could have happened. Feet could slip on rocky, narrow trails. Travelers could be attacked while asleep at night beside the road (Psalm 91:5 alludes to this, too). They could get dehydrated and sick as they traveled on hot days. But, says verses 7-8, they depended on God to keep watch over them.

Reality check: what about the old question of why bad things happen to good people? Jesus clarified the answer in Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” God is not the author of sickness, suffering or death. If they come into our lives, it is with His permissive will to accomplish His higher purposes. Everything filters through His loving hands.

Especially at this time of year, when our world puts a sentimental and materialistic spin on "love," we need to remember that human love fails us. Valentine's Day can be painful. Not everyone will get a card, flowers, candy, jewelry, or whatever else is advertised out there. There may be heart-breaking loss or hopes that were never fulfilled, making this commercial holiday especially painful. That's why we need to keep the big picture in mind. We need to look up to the One Who knows our comings and goings, and Who anticipates our final coming to Heaven to live with Him forever.

The "point of view" of God's love has no equal. Our Heavenly Lover awaits for us to leap in faith into His arms!