Deep Valleys

Downhill

Last week, I shared some thoughts about those wonderful times in our spiritual lives that we often refer to as mountain top experiences or periods. So today I would like to balance that with talking about the times that we would associate with being down in the valley. Just as with the mountain, I believe that these low periods present us with both opportunities and understandings that we may not have otherwise.

The challenge is that fruit that may be ripening during these times may not be easily seen in the darkness of the moment. Even as believers we may find ourselves in moments or seasons of despair and depression. In these times, it is important that we grasp tightly the reality that the Lord has not abandoned us and that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Preparation

There is help for us in the Scriptures and through the Spirit, even if we are brand new to the Kingdom of God and the way of Christ. I want to encourage you that if you are not in one of these valley experiences, now is the time to draw near to God and solidify your doctrinal underpinnings so that you have both the knowledge and confidence you need in those moments. 

So what doctrinal realities do you most need to have to be ready for these most difficult moments of life? First, we all need an unwavering trust in the goodness of God. God's goodness encompassing His justice and compassion is absolutely necessary in these times when our experience will lie to us and tempt us to deny God's goodness and destroy our hope. But if we truly believe that God is good. We have basis for hope regardless of our circumstance.

Second, we all need the highest possible view of God's sovereignty. The fact that God is in control is not in question whether we believe it or not. However, if we accurately place our full faith in the reality that our God is in absolute control of the grandest events in the universe and the smallest details of our lives then we can know that everything, even the pain or loss that we may be experiencing have a purpose for our good and for His glory!

Finally, we must have an unwavering confidence in His Word! The Bible is the ONLY source of revelation from God that we have or need. In the deep, dark valley experiences of life the Holy Scriptures continue to point us to the praise, the edifying encouragements, and the hosts of promises that we need to rest in peace of our great God!

Now

So what should you do if you are in the valley now? Dear saint, turn to the means of grace and comfort that the Lord has provided. Cry out to your God in fervent passionate prayer. Even if the words won't come, have no doubt that your tears and the groaning of Spirit is speaking volumes on your behalf. Also, do not neglect to feast on the word. You may not feel like reading your Bible but now is when you most need it. If you can't read it then listen to it being read but saturate yourself with His promises. Lastly, you need God's people. I know you probably don't feel like being with people but you need people and specifically you need your church family. Call for the Elders to come and pray for you and counsel you. But whatever you do, do not neglect to gather with your local church (Hebrews 10:24-25)!

---