DEVOTIONAL: From the valley to the mountain top
DEVOTIONAL: From the Valley to the Mountain Top
Life is fairly easy when we are standing on the mountain, and we have peace of mind, but things can change when we find ourselves in the valley and life’s problems begin to overwhelm us. Do you feel like you are constantly trying to climb out of the valley to get to the top of the mountain? Do you feel like you are going to be in the valley forever and will never see victory? So many times, we are on the climb, slowly making our way to the top. We can see the mountain top but then out of nowhere, an avalanche of problems, devastation, discouragement, anxiety, and fear comes crashing down on us and we find ourselves plummeting back to the bottom of the mountain back into the valley of despair. We then let the Enemy convince us to give up because we feel that we have been in the valley for so long, that it will never change. That is when we begin to reside in the valley of discouragement, depression, anxiety and defeat instead of reaching out to the ONE who can bring us out of the valley to a life living on the mountain.
Friend, let me tell you something…. that mountain can be climbed, and you can be victorious in this life through Jesus as you dwell in His presence and praise Him regardless of the circumstances!
When walking in the valley, you must remember a few things. The bible says, “Though I walked THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” I know many refer to this verse as in death or near death and that is true but in the NIV, “Valley of the shadow of death” is translated as “walking through the darkest valley.” Psalms 23:4 is meant to give us comfort and tells us not to fear because God’s presence through the valley will give us hope and strength as we travel those darkest valley’s we endure. As I studied this verse and I read “walked THROUGH the valley”, it spoke to me deeply in that we are not going to stay in the valley…we are just on the journey, through it. God is refining you and equipping you as you walk through it so keep the faith and trust God. God doesn’t always move the mountain, but He holds our hand as He gently walks us through any problem, any circumstance, any health issue, any decision that we face in life. It is up to us, to seek, trust and hold tight to His promises until we see a victory…..whatever that may be!
The climb is often treacherous and at times it seems that the way is too rough but one thing you can know for sure is that He will never leave you nor forsake you. That should give us peace as we walk through the valley. To know that God will NEVER leave us, is enough! Yes, because HE IS ENOUGH! The Joy of the Lord is our strength so even in those hard times waiting for our victory, you can find His joy and His peace if you abide in Him and let Him abide in you. John 15:4-5 gives us this truth, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” HE IS THE VINE that gives us life, hope, peace, and joy unspeakable joy! Without the Vine, without HIM, we can do Nothing!
Walking in the valley WITH God changes everything. He won’t leave you. When you feel like you can’t find your way out of the valley to climb that mountain any longer, you must depend on God to carry you. Cry out to Him and He will save you because yes, He is there in the valley just like He is there on the mountain. We are none exempt from the valley but with God we can walk in peace knowing that Joy comes in the morning. The Father promises us that even in the presence of trials and tribulations, He is with us. HIS presence changes everything! Many times, our circumstances will remain the same until we obtain God’s presence in our lives. We must dedicate our time to pray and build our relationship with Him. Even when things don’t change as quickly as we would like, when we are in His presence, we can then walk with peace and joy!
As God walks us through the valley and is with us in the valley, our part is to continually praise Him in ALL circumstances. God inhabits the praises of His people. Praise brings about peace, peace brings about joy and joy will manifest hope. Just do it….Praise Him through the storm and the valley. Praise is our response to God as we lift our eyes to Him despite our feelings or circumstances and He responds to us by giving us peace.
So what I will tell you….Keep praising God no matter what happens. When we praise Him, it keeps our eyes on Him and not on ourselves or our problems. He is working in ways we cannot see. Watch Him take you from the valley to the mountain top as you praise Him no matter what happens in your life! When we praise God, our focus leaves us and is directed to who God is….God is faithful, He is holy, He is loving, He is forgiving, He is righteous. So even when you don’t feel like praising Him in the valley….Praise Him anyway!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father I come to you today and I ask that you be with me in this valley and give me peace that surpasses all of my human understanding. I ask you to help me to keep my eyes on you and not on the circumstances that I find myself facing. Help me to focus on you as you give me peace and joy to walk from the valley to the mountain top. Help me Lord to praise you anyway! Thank you for being with me and never leaving me as I walk through this valley. Here is my hand Lord, take it as I submit to your plan, your purpose, and your will in this situation. In Jesus name I pray….Amen!
Bible Verses
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Matthew 11:28
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
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