Reframing Summer: Meeting God in a Chapel Without Walls

The sun was slipping low along the horizon, creating the hour of “sweet light,” casting a soft halo around the jagged Grand Teton mountains.

Pronghorn antelope, stately elk, and a solitary moose grazed on the tender grasses at the base of the mountain range.

An unusual cloud hovered over the highest of the eight peaks, unlike any I had ever witnessed before. It overshadowed the view of the summit and lingered long without ever changing its form.

A Holy Spirit tingling shiver coursed through my body, but I wasn’t cold.

The mountain, the cloud, and the shiver intermingled in a swirl of delight, bringing Moses to mind. According to Scripture, Moses made at least eight trips up Mount Sinai to meet with the LORD.

The LORD came down on the top of Mount Sinai

and called Moses to the top of the mountain.

So Moses climbed the mountain.

Exodus 19:20 NLT

I asked the LORD if this is what it was like when He met Moses under the cover of a cloud on the mountaintop for the Ten Commandments.

From the deepest part of my being, I yearned to experience more and enter that sacred space. I wanted to be with God on His mountain.

“Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? 

Who may stand in his holy place? 

The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, 

who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 

They will receive a blessing from the LORD

and vindication from God their Savior.” Psalm 24:3-5 NIV

After a moment of stillness, awed by God and His creation, a faint rainbow emerged. His hands wrapped a ribbon of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet around the words, “Not yet.”

As I received His words, the rainbow grew brighter, shimmering in intensity against the last rays of sunlight. Warm tears trickled down my cheeks - the kind you don’t wipe away. What a tender gift from His heart to mine.

I ached to climb up the mountainside. My heart longed to join God's presence in the cloud, but He was clear, “Not yet.” I gazed in wonderment, holding the Holy moment, unaware of anything but my tears and the glimpse of glory to come.

“I look up to the mountains;

does my strength come from the mountains?

 No, my strength comes from God,

who made heaven, and earth, and the mountains.”

Psalm 121:1-2 MSG

I knelt beneath the giant firs near the water's edge. Jackson Lake reflected mirrored images of the Grand Teton Mountains towering on the far side. In this outdoor chapel without walls, I worshiped. My heart overflowed with praise.

Humbled by the Holy moments, I expressed gratitude for His creation of the mountains. I praised Him for rainbows glowing with love and hope, arching down as a gift from His heavenly hands to the center of my soul.

"Never allow a feeling that was awakened in you

on the mountaintop to evaporate." 

Oswald Chambers

Thank you, Lord, for hearing my heart when your presence was beyond words. Without audible words, you knew I longed to join you. I’m so grateful you are God, who sees, hears, and loves us. 

As darkness enveloped the mountains, the Holy moments with the Lord etched my heart forever.  

I call out to the LORD,

and he answers me from his holy mountain. 

Psalm 3:4 NIV

As we step into the early days of summer, I encourage you to ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. Consider keeping a journal close by and record the Holy places the Lord meets you. The more intention you put into seeking His presence, whether at home or on a special outing, the more you will find Him.

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