Surrendering the Summit

Surrendering the Summit by Jordan E Register, MA

Climbing a mountain is filled with many joyful expectations of the view at the peak. When nature’s elements, blistering heels, and human limitation each prick like a thorn along the path, the climber may pause and reflect on what is to come. They may adjust their posture and focus their attention on the summit. These moments are filled with imagining the view, looking forward to the photography opportunities, or reminding themselves that rest and refreshment will take place there.

Even if you have never climbed a physical mountain, you may resonate deeply with navigating difficult life terrain while awaiting the relief and pay-off to come.

The Valleys & Mountain-Tops

You and I may both resonate with some of the following examples of being in varying places between the valley and the mountain-top:

The climb toward freedom from distressing and traumatic memories. Each step may be filled with doubt or temptation to despair. Your bag is packed with the responsibility to fix it all.

A climb toward functioning as the “who I could have been” version of self, before the tragic loss of a loved one or a long battle with an unexpected diagnosis. The burden is heavy with self-criticism, striving harder, or reminders of falling short.

Perhaps you are in a place where the summit is out of sight, and you feel forgotten and abandoned. You may resonate more with hiding in a rocky cove.

Weary traveler, be encouraged that we are not alone in this challenging tension. Hebrews 12:2 reminds them to “fix our eyes on Jesus…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (ESV). The only one who is perfect – Jesus – provides an example of this surrender.

Be encouraged as your eyes shift gaze, holding Jesus as our summit-view. Let Jesus be the joy set before you.

That could mean releasing the outcome and embracing uncertainty about the intended peak. It may mean letting go and seeing the deeply longed-for mountain disappear. It may mean scaling the top of many mountains while maintaining that Christ alone is your summit. A once vulnerable hope in the temporary is now made secure in the eternal.

You who once looked to an overwhelmingly distant peak are met with the presence of He who transcends space and time. As the gaze shifts, the summit is surrendered, and the mountain is moved.

Prayer

The Following is a Guided Prayer and Reflection for Application. Scriptures are added for deeper reflection.

Dear Lord,

I bring this summit to you.

Reflect on what this summit may be, and what it may represent to you. Is it primarily a form of healing, achieving, belonging, or a restored relationship? (Psalm 139:13, ESV)

I trust that you see my hopes and desires, and that you are with me in them. These summits hold beautiful desires, but also needs that can bring discontent. I trust you with my desires and needs. I trust you to satisfy and shape my heart.

Rest in a posture that feels comfortable. (Psalm 37:4, ESV)

You know my longing, Jesus. You see the steep road I have climbed.

If you notice grief, allow it to be present with your hope. Notice your trust in Jesus, and reflect on “steep moments.” Notice His nearness then and now. (Psalm 38:9, ESV)

Shift my gaze to your face, Lord.

Gently wait on the Lord in stillness. Confide in Him as you notice your heart’s posture. (Psalm 121, ESV)

Thank you, Jesus, that the nearness of you is my portion.

Devote time to worship and invite Jesus to be near you. Linger in His presence. (Psalm 73:26, ESV)

Meet Jordan:

Jordan is a counselor who walks alongside people whose lives were shaped amid complexity — so that those who have known distance can begin to move toward redemption and embodied grace, held by a hope that holds the whole story. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling with Emphasis in Biblical Studies. She is a Pastor’s Wife, Toddler Mom, and Daughter held and redeemed by God.

Web Bio: https://valleychristian.co/jordan-register/

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/jordan_elizabeth__/

Compel Pro: https://compeltraining.com/member-directory/jordan-register/

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