A number of hopping, moving specks on a brick wall is all you can see from afar: Alpine ibexes have taken to scaling the nearly vertical Cingino Dam in Italy. Ibex are very nimble. They can jump more than 6 feet straight up without a running start. To escape predators, these wild goats can climb inaccessible mountain heights in just a moment’s notice. This ability is their key to survival.

Needless to say, rock climbing can be very dangerous. An accidental fall from a precipice will most likely result in serious injuries or death. Professional mountain climbers work with all kinds of safeguards, robes and harnesses to avoid a tragic accident. By the same token, life is no walk in the park. The Lord will guide His children through life’s treacherous terrain when they ask for His help. He catches them when they fall. His hands are like a mighty harness.

The older we get, the more likely we have experienced our personal limitations. Life has an uncanny way of humbling us. When we get at the end of our rope and experience how the Lord catches us, this creates a bonding moment that nobody can take away from us. For Prophet Habakkuk, this was a good reason to sing. He exclaimed in the third chapter of his book:

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” *Bible Version: New Living Translation

The prophet turned his personal experience into song lyrics. Not only that, he decided to share his song with other people. He put music to his words and gave instructions to the choir director so that others could learn his song and sing along. It is good to express our gratitude in song. Generations before us have sung to the Lord, not to mention the many angels whom we mostly can’t see with our naked eyes. Let us join in their song, especially when we hit the more difficult mountain trails.