“I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”
—Psalms 121:1-2 (NLT)
Standing before the majestic North Face of the Eiger Mountain in Switzerland, I found myself deeply moved by the sheer solidity and grandeur of its presence. The vast, rugged peaks stretching into the sky seemed timeless, unmoved by the rush of human life below. In that moment of stillness, surrounded by the wilderness, I was reminded of the words of Psalm 121, “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?”
At first glance, the mountains—symbols of strength and stability—could seem like the source of help. Their towering heights evoke awe and reverence, offering a sense of security that seems unshakeable. Yet the psalmist quickly shifts our focus: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” The mountains, as solid and enduring as they appear, are not the ultimate source of our stability—God is.
In the quietness of that mountain scene, away from the distractions of daily life, I felt a profound peace. The wilderness, free from the noise and busyness of the world, became a sanctuary where I could more deeply sense the presence of God. As I gazed upon the unchanging face of the Eiger, it struck me that the peace I felt wasn’t because the mountain was there—but because I was reminded of the One who created it. Just as the Eiger stands firm, so does God’s love and faithfulness stand unshaken through the storms of life.
There is something transformative about encountering God in creation. The peace found in the wilderness mirrors the tranquillity of God’s presence—a place where our souls can find rest. Away from the distractions of technology, the demands of work, and the constant noise of life, creation invites us to breathe deeply and remember that we are held by a love that is as constant as the mountains. The mountain’s immovability reflects the steadfast nature of God’s care for us, yet the beauty and tranquillity of the scene whisper of His peace that transcends understanding.
Mountains have long symbolised strength, stability, and refuge. Yet, while we may look to them for a reminder of security, Psalm 121 beckons us to look beyond their grandeur, to the Creator of the mountains. In times of uncertainty, when life feels unstable, it’s not the mountains themselves that give us strength but the One who fashioned them. His love, unlike anything in this world, offers true and lasting refuge.
On that mountainside, contemplating the North Face of the Eiger, I realised that the peace I was experiencing was an invitation once again to trust in the stability of God’s presence in my life. As mountains stand firm through centuries of storms, so too does God’s faithfulness remain unshaken. His love is the rock on which we can securely build our lives, knowing that in Him, we are truly safe.
So, whether we find ourselves in the wilderness of the mountains or in the midst of life’s daily struggles, the message remains the same: Our help comes from the Lord. He is our Creator, our Sustainer, and our firm foundation. In His presence, we find not only the peace and tranquillity we seek but the strength and security to navigate whatever challenges lie ahead.
Just as the mountains provide a refuge from the chaos of the world, so too does God invite us into His unshakeable love and peace. And it’s in that place—away from distractions and enveloped by His creation—that we are reminded: our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Saint Jeannet is a charming little village located between Vence and Nice, France.