During a visit to the Richtersveld, a remote mountain region in the Northern Cape on the border of South Africa and Namibia, we came upon a shepherd herding goats and sheep. Surprised to see a human being in this remote area alone with his animals we stopped to chat with him. He told me how much he enjoyed the wide-open spaces and nature but also spoke about the dangers. He mentioned the heat of the day and the cold of the night. The threat of wild animals like jackals, snakes, and large birds of prey that stalked his livestock. The baby lambs were the most vulnerable he said.
Travelling further into the Richtersveld a nagging thought came to mind “Who comforts the comforter?” As we drove closer to the mountains on the horizon, I remembered the ancient words from Scripture, “I will lift my eyes to the Mountains from where does my help come. My help comes from the Lord.“ (Psalm 121)
Mountains are a powerful symbol of strength, beauty and durability. In ancient times mountains were considered the dwelling place of the gods. In the Hebrew tradition mountains maintained the mystery and hiddenness of Yahweh. Mountains attract us like a magnet pulling us inward to explore its power and mystery. Mountains comfort!
