Up, Down, and Around

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

We experience mountain highs and valley lows as we journey through and around this life. Mountaintop-living is extraordinary; it is a place of refreshment, basking in worship and praise of our Creator. Mountaintops are where the sun seems brighter, feels warmer on our face—but not the place for a permanent dwelling. Refreshing as peace and contentment are, they cannot sustain us on top of the mountain; sustenance and “real life” happen in the valley.

Valley-living may not sound appealing, but the valley supplies nutrient-rich soil and water, necessities for growth—for vegetation and our walk of faith; a place for repentance, restoration, and remolding. As we surrender anew to God daily, we are as clay ready for molding by the Potter’s hands. Valley-walking is necessary for spiritual growth, for our faith to expand. The valley is for lessons learned through obedience to our Father and hopefully for lessons learned when we chose to go our way stubbornly. Our frailty and inability to be or do without God’s help position us face-to-face with our Creator in the valley.

Valley-living is where we serve others and yield to God’s plan through everyday tasks in our home, workplace, or school. Our daily routines should never become so ordinary or mundane that we miss when God desires to do the extraordinary. People who cross your path are not by coincidence or accident, it is a God-thing and all about ministry—be available and obedient.

As we travel up, down, and round life’s roads, everyday living can become humdrum and turn into valleys if you are not alerted to warning signs: drudgery in daily tasks, lack of joy and peace, self-pity. Refocus—not on past mountaintop experiences, but on what is at hand. If God allowed your present circumstances, He knows the perfect plan for you, not only for your good but for your best. He is God of the mountains and the valleys.