The “eight-thousanders” are 14 separate mountains on Earth more than 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level. The first recorded attempt to climb an eight-thousander was in 1895, but the first successful climb wasn’t until 1950. Each of these mountain’s summits are in the death zone, an altitude where there is not enough oxygen for a human to breathe.

For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

Psalm 97:9

Perhaps man’s fascination with heights comes from his inherent desire to draw close to God. While Satan is associated with that which lies below the ground, people relate to God above the clouds. “Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!” (Psalm 148:1) The Psalmist in today’s passage calls God by one of His names – the Most High, and declares that He is over even the tallest mountain.

Drawing close to God isn’t as difficult as scaling an eight-thousander. All you have to do is call His name. Praise the one and only God of the universe. He is to be “exalted far above all gods.” Go on a walk and ask God to reveal Himself to you through His creation – and pray, too, for Him to be fully known to your nation’s leaders.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7