Giving the Valley a Bad Name!

Have you ever felt embattled, depressed, fatigued? ...Ever felt like you were mired in a valley, distant and remote from any mountaintop experiences? We tend to consider being drained or exhausted by the challenge of life to be the normal and expected environment of a "valley experience." I think we've missed the point. Actually, in the valley is where the still waters and peaceful, green meadows are, along with the gentle whispers of wandering streams! When God ordained valley's for our lives (because between any two mountain peaks inevitably lies a valley...), I don't think He had Colorado-River type torrents in mind -- fighting for survival against all elements and odds, as most seem to think.

Yes, Paul did say, "When I am weak, then I am strong," but that recognition of dependency does not require a near-death experience! We often hear, 'in the valley is where the flowers grow,' and 'you have to cross a valley to get to the mountain.' Yes, but God's idea of the valley is serenity ... a place of rest and the restoration of the soul! (Don't mistake the valley for the wilderness...)

From time to time each of us certainly will face shadowy valley's--even deathly shadows. Rest assured, however. If there is eve a shadow of a challenge, our heavenly father always provides a table of His presence in the midst of the enemies and the struggle.(In other words, a sanctuary in the fire.)

Haven't seen a mountaintop in awhile? "The valley" always comes equipped with still waters and green pastures... but you often have to search for them -- and only a worshiper will notice. Selah \o/