My  final preparation study began at the end of Moses’ life. Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died, his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. (Deut 34:7) Israel’s great lawgiver, did not enter the promised land , but he was given a glimpse. He climbed a hilltop and gazed across the Jordan River, permitted by the Lord to see Israel’s future territory as far north as Galilee , south to the Negeb , and west to the Mediterranean Sea. The view that Moses was allowed to see must have been tremendous. Knowing that the people would need to be encouraged in order to appreciate what God had planned for them, Moses did not spend his final time trying to tell them what he had seen, instead he left them with a song of inspiration, that they might press onward to see it for themselves. “ Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your triumph!” (Deut 33:29) In the final blessing, Moses speaks to what drives us. He pumps us up, so that we will continue on. In spite of whatever obstacles. In spite of depression, or prograstination. In spite of self doubt and feelings of unworthiness, His final words were used for encouragement. The very thing that we constantly need, in order to press on.  Moses could have cried and complained that he would not reach the promised land. He could have started one big pity party. Instead he knew that He had gained what was for him on the journey. His job was to encourage others to press on and find their reason for following God this far. Our view from a hill top which we see with the heart, can be clearer than the sight of our eyes, when we meditate of God.

It is out of my quiet time that I am renewed. I am reminded that God loves me and that He has for all of my life. I am always encouraged when my peace is restored, often by simply being quiet. That place of peace becomes my hilltop and I am able to look out over the life I have led, the journey I am on and I am encouraged.