September 30

O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely. — Song 2:14 BSB

The dove finds its rest in the cleft of the rock, in the riven side of our Lord. There, it finds comfort and security. It also builds its nest in the secret places of the stairs, high up in towers where men climb winding steps hundreds of feet above the ground. From these heights, there is a glorious view of the surrounding landscape, symbolizing the ascending life of the Christian.

To reach the highest altitudes in our spiritual journey, we must seek the secret places of ascent. Life should be one of continuous, quiet climbing, with moments of rest along the way. Not everyone discovers this hidden path, for it is reserved for God’s chosen ones. The world may think you are descending or fading from the public eye, but in truth, you are rising higher in God’s kingdom.

This is the hidden life, often unnoticed until a test comes and reveals that we have been growing all along. Have you risen above the power of sin so that Christ keeps you from willful disobedience? Does the very thought of sin cause you to shudder? Are you lifted above the world, living in the heights of Christ’s victorious life?