Valleys have been on my mind lately. Probably because I’m in one right now. Not a literal valley . . . a valley of life. For a while, everything was good. I was on top of a very beautiful mountain. Life was interesting, something new every day . . . and so restful. But even then, I knew it wouldn’t last. You can’t stay on the mountain forever. Past experience has taught me that. Life is full of highs and lows. So, I asked God to prepare me for the valley which I knew I’d eventually have to go through.
The Valley: Two surgeries and housebound since September 2018. Can’t do any cooking or housework. Missed all the fall and Christmas events I look forward to every year. Three friends died, and I couldn’t attend their funerals. Many of my friends have been extremely ill or having operations during this time. (Not old people either.) And so many more sad, bad events. Pain. Tears. Frustration. Depression. You get the idea.
But then I remembered when I reached out to God while on the mountain top, He assured me that He would be with me. It hasn’t made the hurt and pain of the valley go away, but it comforts me tremendously that God is walking by my side, holding my hand. PEACE at the bottom of the valley.
The constant in this valley experience is that God has never left my side. I can talk to Him any time, day or night. I can cry in front of Him. I can hear Him talk to me through His Word. He is my constant companion.
This valley won’t last forever. I know that from experience. When God once again sets me on the mountain, I picture myself healed, whole and walking upright. And whether on the mountain or in the valley, I choose to say, “Blessed be Your Name, O most High!”
I came across this song today, and I thought “Yes!”
“You’re God of the Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells
“On the mountains, I will bow my life to the One who set me there. In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there. When I’m standing on the mountain top, I didn’t get there on my own. When I’m walking through the valley, I know I am not alone! You’re the God of the hills and valleys! God of the hills and valleys. And I am not alone! And I will choose to say, ‘Blessed be Your name!'”
If you are going through a valley experience, I encourage you to look up.
The Lord will carry you. He will never leave you. He will strengthen you.
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime … until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” – Isaiah 46:4I NLT
Karen DeLoach Life Moments 