Mountain Top Moments
Rhythms and Roots: Abide · Move · Live Fully
Scripture: Luke 9:28–36 (The Transfiguration)
We all know what it feels like to live in the valley. Grief. Confusion. Tragedy. The heaviness of life presses in, and hope feels hard to find. Valleys are real, but they aren’t the whole story. God calls us up the mountain—not to escape reality, but to gain clarity, perspective, and strength for the journey ahead.
That’s what happened in Luke 9. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. And as He prays, His glory breaks through: “The appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning” (v. 29).
Mountaintop moments don’t erase the valley, but they prepare us to walk through it.
Here are three rhythms for the soul—and the body—that flow from the mountain:
1. Mountains give clarity when life feels cloudy
When life is chaotic, we need reorientation. That’s what the disciples found on the mountain.
It’s not so different from physical training. When I go for a run or strength session, my head usually feels crowded at the start. But by mile two, or after that third set of squats, things begin to clear. The fog lifts. Movement creates space for clarity.
Practice the rhythm of clarity:
Step aside this week to pray, breathe, and move. A walk with God can reset your spirit just as much as your body.
2. Mountains remind us we’re part of God’s bigger story
On the mountain, Moses and Elijah appear, reminding the disciples that Jesus’ story was tied to God’s unfolding plan.
Movement does the same for us. Running a trail or lifting with discipline reminds us we’re part of something bigger. Growth isn’t instant—it’s a long obedience in the same direction. Every rep, every step, every mile is woven into a bigger story of transformation.
Practice the rhythm of remembrance:
As you move—whether walking, lifting, or running—pray through your story. Remember how God has carried you through valleys, and give thanks that He is still shaping you.
3. Mountains call us to listen to Jesus above all voices
A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
In training, there are countless voices: “Push harder.” “Rest.” “Quit.” “You’ll never get there.” But the most important gains come when you learn to listen to the right voice—the one that builds you up and keeps you moving forward.
Spiritually, it’s the same. Life in the valley is noisy—fear, politics, tragedy—but the Father calls us to one voice: Jesus.
Practice the rhythm of listening: Try moving this week without music or podcasts for a stretch—just silence and prayer. Use the time to tune into Jesus’ voice.
Living the Wonder
Mountaintop moments aren’t about escape. They’re about alignment. Just like movement aligns and strengthens the body, God uses mountains to align and strengthen the soul.
Lift your eyes.
Remember your story.
Listen to His voice.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17).
A Rhythm for the Week Ahead
- Clarity: Go for a run, walk, or workout with the specific purpose of praying or reflecting while you move.
- Remembrance: Journal after exercise—how is your story being shaped through discipline and movement?
- Listening: Take a 5–10 minute cool-down without headphones, just listening for God’s whisper.
This blog post was inspired by my message at Neighborhood Friends Church this past Sunday; Wonder series. This coming Sunday we’ll see how God’s presence meets us not only in the mountaintop moments, but also in the ordinary, daily rhythms—where body and soul both find renewal.
I would love for you to check out our church community in person on Sunday’s at 10:30am. All the info you need can be found at www.neighborhoodfriends.org
Written by Donnie Hinshaw