Through Peaks and Valleys
The past two months have been a collection of highs and lows, joys and challenges. In early September, I was blessed to travel to Europe with my husband and our youngest daughter. We visited family, enjoyed being tourists, and ministered at a church in central London. It was a wonderful trip that filled the tank of this “travel bug!”
Soon after our return, another daughter wasrushed to hospital for emergency surgery to remove a large (thankfully benign) cyst. I dropped everything to stay with her and nurse her through the first week and ½ of recovery. I was sorry she endured such a trial, but also glad I could be there to care for her.
This past week, Steve and I attended the annual conference of Transform Our World, a global organization focused on bringing the kingdom of God beyond the local church and into society as a whole. We were delighted to hear powerful testimonies from dear friends around the world who are seeing God’s love penetrate their communities – families, the government, schools, businesses, prisons, the medical field – into every sector of society. We were so inspired!!
At the same time, I have been frustrated with so many pulls on my time. Good and important things keep filling my calendar, crowding out my plans to spend more time writing! Peaks and valleys – I’ve been traveling through them, up and down.
Therefore, I draw great comfort from God’s promise to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:8. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” These words were given to Joshua when he was called into battle to claim the Promised Land. And these words are also an encouragement to us as we face our own battles, because they reveal Who God is and His heart for His children.
God is with us. Do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged. For not only is God with us; He goes before us. That means that He knows what is coming next in our lives, even before we do, and He promises to be there with us in the midst of everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly. He will never abandon us. He will never turn away from us.
Psalm 23:4 repeats the promise, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Even as I walk. Even as I go through my days and through my life, God promises to be with me. And He also promises to lead me. Remember: He goes before us. Who better to listen to as we choose our path? Isaiah 30:21 tells us, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’” What comfort this is!
And so, as I return to my writing – and anything else that comes my way! – I choose to acknowledge God’s Presence with me. He promises to go with me, even as I move through my daily life. I can welcome Him into my activities and my relationships, to join me in my meetings and my work. He is with me, and I want everything that He is to permeate everything that I do. I choose to lean into Him and follow His leading in my life, trusting that He can redeem any situation and work all things (good and bad, peaks and valleys) together for my good and for His glory.
I hope you can do the same, Dear One. Let me remind you that God is with you, no matter where you are and what is happening. Right now, His Presence is around you. Take a moment to feel His love, His strength, His comfort – whatever you need at this time. He is there for you. Invite Him to go with you as you walk through your day, and allow Him to lead you in His perfect ways.
A Prayer:
Dear God, thank You that You are always with me, that You will never abandon me. Thank You that you have plans for my good, and that You are at work in every situation I face. Help me to become increasingly aware of Your Presence with me and to hear Your voice guiding me all of my days.
For Your Glory, Jesus, Amen.
