I was listening to my Christian playlist while driving the other day and the song, “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban began playing. By the way, I’ve found that my car is one of my “prayer closets” and I was in there with God on this day. The lyrics of the first verse began forming scenes in my mind and it went on from there to give me a tear-filled vision of God’s love that, I’m sure, someone else needs to “see” as well. Let’s look.

Picture a person, maybe you, who’s so burdened down with troubles that they just have to sit down beside the path. “When I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary. When troubles come, and my heart burdened be.” As they sit there, they’re shaking their bowed head and whisper a prayer, “God, I need You.” Can anyone relate? Then, in the silence of the nature surrounding them, they feel a strong hand on their right shoulder. Surprised, they turn and look up and see Jesus standing there with a big, loving smile on His face. He says, “Child, can I sit down with you?” “Then, I am still and wait here in the silence, until you come and sit awhile with me.”

Jesus takes a seat next to them beside the path and says, “I know what you’re going through and I’m here to help just as you’ve asked.” “But first, I want to show you some things.” He points His finger toward the distant mountains and says, “Look at those green mountains, aren’t they beautiful?” The person smiles and acknowledges, “Yes Lord, they are.” “Let me show you something.” Jesus stands up, holds out His hand and says, “Come with Me.” They take His hand and suddenly, they are on the top of that mountain they were just looking at! “You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.” Wow! They look out over the valley and are amazed! Jesus says nodding His head, “You know, I made these mountains. In fact, I made all the nature and animals you see around here.” Then He looks the person in the eye and says, “But what’s amazing is…I made you in the image of Me and the Father and we love you much more that all of this.” Oh, they’re heart is overjoyed, and they’ve forgotten the burdens they were carrying down below.

Then, Jesus says, “Hold on, I’ve got something else to show you.” Again, He takes them by the hand and suddenly, they’re transported to the middle of a body of water. The wind is blowing, and the water is pretty rough, but Jesus warns, “Now, don’t look down at the waves, keep holding My hand and keep your eyes on Me.” “You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.” “You’re going to go through some hard times in your life but remember, I’m always here with you and I’ll take you through it if you’ll hold on to Me.” “And if needed, I’ll pick you up and carry you at times.” “I am strong when I am on your shoulders.” The person says, “Oh Jesus, thank You for showing me all this.” “You’re welcome child.”

Then, they’re back down on the path of life again. The person exclaims, “Jesus, Jesus, thank You for reminding me of Your love and provision.” “I know now that, whatever I’m going through, I can call on You and You will be there for me.” “With Your help, nothing is impossible for me.” “You raise me up to more than I can be.” Jesus says, “OK, don’t forget, I’m always here when you need me.” “Now, let’s get up and move on.”