Knowing God’s presence

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson reflects on how God can be found in unexpected places.

I to the hills will lift mine eyes, from whence doth come mine aid. Psalm 121

WHAT do we see when we lift our eyes up to the hills?

Perhaps the white capped hills of winter or the heather covered slopes at warmer times of the year? Or, on those dark evenings, it may be lots of red dots as if we are being watched by strange creatures, with their eyes caught in the headlights?

Travelling into Strathaven (where my manse is located) there are a few areas of the surrounding hills covered in red dots. They are, of course, warning lights atop the wind turbines used to generate electricity. When seen from a distance, it is hard to imagine how tall these structures are. However, I had to pull over to the side of the road recently as three enormous sections of a wind turbine came past in the other direction. I was struck by the size of the blades which harvest the power of the wind by turning, converting movement into electricity. Such a simple process on paper but the engineering behind it is amazing.

Psalm 121 is viewed as my family’s Psalm. It has been sung at family funerals for generations. It has a special place in my heart. Yet, while it consists of simple words on paper, these words convey something truly amazing. I to the hills will lift mine eyes, from whence doth come mine aid. The question is, how often do we stop and lift our eyes to the hills?

“ I was struck by the size of the blades which harvest the power of the wind by turning, converting movement into electricity.

Life is so hectic. We always seem to be in a rush. Our minds are dealing with so many varied matters that we need to create the opportunity to stop and lift our eyes to the hills. We need to lift our eyes from all that is going on around us and appreciate that the maker of heaven and earth is always there watching over us. No matter what we are going through God does not slumber or sleep.

Leading worship for our CrossReach staff at Charis House, I spoke about identifying those places where we can recharge our batteries. I used Psalm 121 and reflected on where we might look to find God in the midst of all our responsibilities. Jesus often went up mountains or hills to pray but I chose to quote Mark chapter 1where Jesus, after a busy day, got up early and went off to a lonely place to pray. In other words, what is important is finding the right location or space which enables us to know God’s presence.

I to the hills is where I lift my eyes when I am drained and need recharged. For me, those red dots/eyes shining brightly in the darkest of nights are a reminder that God is always with me. That may not resonate with everyone but we all need those moments, those places, those opportunities to know from whence doth come [our] aid.¤

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson is Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2024/25 and minister at Strathaven: Trinity.