Life is filled with valleys. Suffering, fear of the unknown, and
hardship are inevitable in life. Without the grace of Jesus I could not
sustain the trials of life. The valley reveals how much of His strength I
have allowed in my life, and it reveals whether I shall fail or make
it. It is in the valley where I discover who I really am and who He
really is. It is in the valley I discover His victory that carries me to
the mountain-heights of joy.
In the valley—in the midst of the trial, I can become weary and anxious
when I don’t know what is next. “Do not be anxious about anything,” Paul
wrote, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6:7). I pray with
thanksgiving in my heart knowing that God is in control. No matter what
my human mind perceives I believe in His abiding presence, His
encompassing power, and the depth of His love for me. I don't worry
about anything because I petition and give that problem to God. Is He
not also able to handle any problem? Thanking the Lord for His provision
reveals faith, and brings His peace. The promise is clear. “And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Sometimes
I make the valley more difficult by not applying my “mustard seed” of
faith in the midst of the struggle. Without applying faith, I not only
fail myself, I fail God (Hebrews 11:6). When I I try to humanly analyze
“why”, I miss the peace of God. I miss His infinite grace which is meant
to lift me above the trial. My mind can only be guarded from fear of
the unknown when I thank God for His faithfulness, and when my mind
dwells upon His infinite ability instead of my trial (Isaiah 26:3).
Dear Lord, I am willing to face the unknown with hope in your
faithfulness to me. I will learn the spiritual lesson you wish to
impart. I will seek you everyday and discover your burden is much
lighter when I focus on you instead of what I fear. When I give you my
trial, my fear, my pain, my struggle‒by letting it go in prayer and
faith‒supernatural peace will claim my mind and heart. It is a peace
that nothing in this world can offer, and it can only be found through
the struggles of life. It is a gift from you to lighten my load. Lord, I
don't believe that I am just meant to survive in the valley. I flourish
because you have poured living water into what might have otherwise
been a desert. You rule in my heart, Lord, and my valley becomes my
place of victory. My victory has been secured only with my surrender,
and with your power and grace. My victory in the valley is my
mountain-top joy which will last because it has been gloriously fought
for and won.
Amen.
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