A Song for my Soul: Highlands (Song of Ascent)

Music has the ability to speak into the deepest recesses of our hearts. God often uses songs to speak hope and encouragement to our souls. In this series, Hope Moms share songs that have pointed them to the hope of Christ in the midst of their grief.

When I first listened to Highlands (Song of Ascent), I wasn’t in the throes of fresh grief, but the tears came quickly. Its melody stirred something sacred in me. It felt like an invitation to remember the valley I once walked through and the God who bent low to meet me there. The song reminded me that whether we are standing on a mountaintop or stumbling through the valley, His love never falters. Even now, with steadier steps beneath me, I can testify: the same faithful God who carried me through the darkest nights is still worthy of my praise in the light.

“If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” —Psalm 139:8

In Highlands (Song of Ascent), there’s a beautiful declaration:

So I will praise You on the mountain /
And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way

As grieving mothers, we’ve known the heights of joy. Those first positive pregnancy tests (because of course we took more than one), the steady rhythm of a heartbeat at each appointment (the sweetest music our ears could ever hear), the whispered dreams while folding tiny clothes and readying nurseries (our hearts swelling at the sight of all those little things).

And we’ve also been undone by the depths of sorrow. The hospital rooms cloaked in silence, with the grey and purple teardrop sign hanging on the door (a gesture of kindness, yet one we never wanted to bear). The unbearable weight of empty arms (the heaviest load we’ll ever be asked to carry). The ache of love with no place to go (a heartbreak that still slips quietly down our cheeks as tears).

Dear friend, here’s the sacred truth for you today: God is not only present in the ascent. He is present in the ache. He is the same Shepherd who leads us beside still waters and who carries us gently through the shadowed valley. He doesn’t wait for us at the summit. He walks with us every step. Upward, downward, and through.

The song continues:

Whatever I walk through /
Wherever I am /
Your name can move mountains /
Wherever I stand

No valley is too deep for His love to reach you. No grave is beyond the reach of His redemption. The mountain of grief may not move in a day, but His presence is your anchor as you climb. So today, if your soul feels stuck in the valley, take heart. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. The God of the highlands is also the God of your heartbreak. And He is worthy of praise. Not in spite of your sorrow, but here in the middle of it because, He is with you there too.

From the gravest of all valleys /
come the pastures we call grace

Because He Lives, I hope,
Jennie

Reflect and Pray

•  When you look back on your own mountain and valley moments, where do you see God’s presence most clearly?

• What does it mean to you that God is not waiting for you at the summit but is walking with you right now?
• How might you offer Him praise in the very place you are today; whether that’s in the highland or the valley, the darkness or the light?

Father, thank You that You are the same God on the mountaintops of joy and in the valleys of heartache. You are no less God within the shadows. Even when my heart feels broken beyond repair, You remain steady and near. Anchor me in Your presence, carry me in Your love, and remind me that You are worthy of praise, whether I’m walking the highlands or stumbling through the valley floor. Help me trust You here, in the middle of my grief and questions. Help me believe that You are faithful, that You are leading me beside still waters, and that even now You are guiding me toward the pastures of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Did you know?

The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) are a collection of 15 short psalms traditionally sung by God’s people as they made their uphill journey to Jerusalem for the yearly festivals. Four were written by David and one by Solomon, with the others remaining anonymous. Because Jerusalem sits high on a hill, these were literally “songs for the climb.” Some traditions also say the priests sang them while ascending the steps of the temple.

Each psalm begins with the title “A Song of Ascents,” and together they form a beautiful picture of a pilgrim people drawing near to God—step by step, song by song. Their themes of trust, repentance, gratitude, unity, hope, and God’s faithful presence continue to encourage worshipers today who find themselves on their own journeys toward Him. They deeply encourage me and I pray they encourage you, too.

Read the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134)
https://www.esv.org/verses/Psalms+120%E2%80%93134/

Jennie is the Executive Director for Hope Mommies. She and her husband Brian live in Oregon and have four children together— Trenton, Paige who has been in Heaven with Jesus since 2010, Mason, and Cora. If you were to knock on her front door today, you’d find her in something comfortable drinking a hot cup of tea, while trying to figure out how to balance all the things that make up a life. She enjoys spending time in God’s word, fresh flowers, board games with her kids, cooking, and evening walks in her neighborhood. She adores being a new creation in Christ and prays she reflects Him well on this earth.