The depths of a valley are often defined by how high the mountains are surrounding them. You may be driving your car and just go down to a lower point than the surrounding area, while you can still see everything that you could before, just from a different perspective or angle. Other times you could end up in a deep valley with the mountains jutting upward and you can’t see anything except the side of a mountain. If you've ever driven in the mountains, you know that going up is a lot harder than when you're coming down. Coming down also builds speed as you try to slow down and pump the brakes of your car.
But through both of these what you do see is the higher ground. You know that the valley is temporary and it’s just a matter of time before you will be out of the valley, possibly even on top of the mountains, looking downward toward where you came from, what you went through that brought you to the higher ground. You pause for a moment and just soak in the beauty of what is before you.
Isn’t life a lot like that? Right now my family is in the deepest valley it has ever experienced and it was a downhill plunge in a matter of seconds. We are all affected by what is going on and it will have affects for the rest of our lives here on this earth. It is a difficult place to be, it is not easy and it is not without worry. Don’t get me wrong though, the worry is because we do not know the outcome, it is not because we do not trust who is in charge of this. Worry can be a cancer and destroy a person, but this worry is the kind that pushes you toward the only One that can remedy. This is in God’s hands and the valley may seem deep at this moment, but you know what? I see the mountains. I see the One that created the mountains and I have put my trust in Him to see us all through this, in His way.
Is it easy? No, not by a long shot, but knowing that the Lord is in control does ease things a lot. I gave up control about 2 seconds after this situation came about, which is about 2 seconds longer than I should have. But I know through this trial that God is ever present and will keep us from harm and will be glorified. He already has been as His power to transcend this situation with His peace and with the family of believers He has been so gracious in putting us into. This has brought me closer to God and also is strengthening my family and bringing them closer to Him as well, which glorifies His working in our lives. To God be the glory, for everything!
Please do keep my family in your prayers for His peace to transcend through this, especially to my son, my mom, my wife, the other 2 boys and myself: as well as the extended family members. Please leave a comment of any verse that may have come to mind for you or anything else that you might think could encourage us through this difficult time.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalms 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Psalms 57:1-3 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
1 comment:
God laid all these on my heart for you guys this morning. I hope they encourage you.
Proverbs 3:25- "Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught."
Proverbs 18:10- "The name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run in to it and they are safe." (That's amazing- just the NAME of the Lord is a strong tower. If the name is a strong tower, how much better the Person must be.)
Psalm 46:10- "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth." (Just be still and know. Another version says- "Cease striving and know that I am God.")
Isaiah 41:10- "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 43:1-4- "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."
Post a Comment