It struck me that I was also at that same point in my personal life: The High View!

I have been down in the valley, climbing over slippery rocks and slopes to get here. In the midst of all of those ups and downs and twists and turns I have gotten confused. I’ve sometimes wondered if I had taken the wrong turn. It’s been hard to tell which way was was up and which way was down. Sometimes I was facing one way, when I knew I needed to go the other way.

But every step in the last few months I’ve felt that I’ve been led by God. In the midst of taking those steps, however, I’ve questioned and second-guessed, over and over, if I’m even on the right path at all. I’ve wondered if I have been profoundly mistaken or profoundly correct. And except for God‘s reassurance, I’ve almost gotten sidetracked from the journey more times than I’d care to admit.

But this past weekend, standing at the top of the bluff, I had The High View. I could see the twists and turns below me that I had taken, each of which was necessary to get to this point. I could see why I would have questioned myself, and why others might have questioned me! I could see why I thought I might be on the wrong path completely.

But once attaining The High View, it all made sense.

Billy Graham describes The High View like this:

"I try not to worry about life too much because I read the last page of THE book, and it all turns out all right."

There were times along the way when God would show me The High View. It was as if He would elevate me to catch a glimpse of where I was, where I was going, and that I was on the right track.

Like Peter, stepping out of the boat and walking on water towards Jesus, I would sometimes have to call out to Him to save me. And, also like Peter, I felt the hand of Jesus reach down many times to pull me up again.

The moments I felt the most peace were the moments I completely surrendered to Jesus, those moments when I would lay back in His arms and lay my head on his shoulder, like John laid his head on His shoulder at the Passover feast. In those moments, I could trust that, even though I couldn’t see The High View, Jesus could. He’s much taller than me! He can see much further than me. And He simply sees better than me.

I’d like to say I’m going to keep The High View in mind from here on out. But I know myself. I know my doubts and fears. And I know my ability to second-guess myself.

Still, I’m praying today, as I approach the New Year, that I will do better at keeping The High View in mind. I’m praying that I will surrender more quickly, submit more fully, and trust more deeply. Not only for my sake, but for those around me. And I pray the same for you.

As you head into 2024, I pray that you will keep The High View in mind, that you will stay the course upon which God has set you, and that you will trust Him along your path, even if the way seems circuitous.

May you always keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author of your story and the Perfecter of your faith.

I’ve read the end of THE Book, and it all turns out all right. Keep trusting in Jesus, and keep The High View in mind.