Some hikes in the Rocky Mountains take you to the very top. It’s glorious to see the surrounding country from the summit of a peak. Walking to the top is hard work. At times you think you’re almost there, only to go over a rise and realize there’s more uphill. You crested a false summit, one fooling the view of the ultimate prize and disappointing efforts.

Isaiah wrote of false summits. The children of Israel enthusiastically pursued other gods, driving themselves in their devotion. Isaiah—You wearied yourself by such going about, but you would not say “It is hopeless.” You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint (Isaiah 57:10).

This renewal of strength existed as a mere echo of the true hope of Israel—but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).

The trust in pretend gods felt good for awhile. This false summit even brought a sense of renewal. But it led to a dead end, as the judgement of the Lord soon descended.

My trust in pretend gods also feels good for a time. Embracing the norms and practices of the world around me, taking on philosophies of life running counter to scripture, or entertaining myself for hours on end may keep me from fainting, but leads to false summits.

Waiting on the Lord, investing time and attention and energy in a growing relationship with Him, pulls me past false summits.

Stalwart trekkers push on past false summits, keeping the top of the mountain in sight. As I hike I notice eagles coasting over mountaintops, and am reminded that true, lasting strength for the journey lies with the Lord.

Isaiah 40 & 57 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Holly Mandarich