Would you rather have a mountain vacation or a beach vacation? I’ve never had a specific answer to this question because the location isn’t as important as the interesting things to do at the destination. I was always interested in the history of Machu Picchu, so I decided to go there for a vacation – and I learned how beautiful the mountains truly are! The mountains there were astonishing in their grandeur and resplendent in their beauty. Climbing them was definitely challenging, and that challenge made me think about how the Bible uses the imagery of mountains quite often, and how God shows His power and His love through the mountains.

I also found it interesting, and not at all surprising, that the Incas worshipped the mountains. They saw them as provider and protector. It was easy to see why, since the mountains define life in the region. Travel, weather, crops, contact with the outside world is all determined by the mountains. I could not help thinking, though, that we worship the Maker of the Mountains. If the mountains have so much power, what does that say about the one who made them? What a privilege it is to know, worship, and serve the one who actually made the mountains – gave them their splendor, gave them their grandeur, allowed them to provide food, weather, protection, and so much more.

He is greater because He was God before the mountains even existed, as it says in Psalm 90:2,

“Before the mountains were born

or you brought forth the whole world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

His eternal existence means that He created the mountains. In fact, He “treads on” the mountains, showing his power over them, as Amos 4:13 tells us, “He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name.”

Not only did God make the mountains, but the mountains themselves worship Him. Isaiah 44:23 says, “Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.”

While it is important to remember that God created the mountains, God also knows their splendor, and uses the mountains to demonstrate His love for us. When we see the mountains, their power is a symbol of God’s love for us. Psalm 125:2 says,

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

so the Lord surrounds his people

both now and forevermore.”

After having been surrounded by the Andes Mountains, this verse is much more stunning in its imagery!

The verse just before this one compares those who trust in God to Mt. Zion because of their endurance.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”

To our benefit, God’s love for us (His creation!) is greater than His love for the mountains. Even if the mountains were to be destroyed, His love would remain, as Isaiah 54:10 says, “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”

The Psalms also affirm that it is easy to look at the mountains and see them as a source of power, protection, and help. The ancient Incas looked to the mountains and believed their help came from there. However, Psalm 121:1-2 is a reminder that true help comes from the Lord.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.”

I loved the experience of being in the mountains and seeing their beauty first-hand. Climbing them was both beautiful and challenging. I also loved being reminded of the greatness of God, and finding new meaning in the verses that I have read all my life. God’s eternal nature, His power and creativity, His love and protection are all displayed in the magnificent mountains that He created. What a mighty God we serve!