We've all been there. You are standing on the highest point of your life, arms up, and all you can do is praise. I mean, it is the natural response.
After all, when all is going well it is going...uhm...well.
But we all know, that the peaks don't last long. As a matter of fact, they probably make up a very small fraction of our lives.
So what is the rest of life? If not peaks, it could be flats. I know I have had many of those "flats". Everything feels stagnant and you don't know where to go, what to do, and you just are too apathetic to do anything at all. But again, while a much larger portion of life than the peaks, this isn't where most of life happens.
From my experience, most of life is experienced in the valley. Those low moments of life that don't seem to end and just keep coming. Those moments that just don't make sense, at all. No matter what you do, you can't escape them and you can't seem to conquer them.
But of course, those are all lies that our enemy would want us to believe.
When walking alone, the valley is indeed, impossible. We cannot handle it. If that was the end of the story it would be discouraging!
But the truth is, even though dark and even though bleak; the valley is where God is, and we do not walk alone. God's heart is in the valley, not for it. Yes, He is there in the peaks and flats, but it is here, in the valley where God shows us who we really are and who He really is. Job was a righteous man, but it wasn't until his trials, the valley in his life that he recognized his need and dependance on God.
It is in these moments, these dark, bittersweet moments where we can learn dependance, trust, and patience. And what more does God require of us other than to love and to trust?
I am in a valley right now. Life just doesn't make sense. But still, through my confusion, hidden tears, and frustration, I feel my Father leaning close, whispering in my ear, and telling me to not fear but just to hold onto Him.
Is this comfortable? No.
Is this where I want to be in life? No.
Is He here with me? Yes.
But I am learning that life is much more than comfort, or wants. Life is about trust and glory; both of which reflect very little towards us and reflect a lot towards our God.
And ultimately, it is about praising God in all moments of life. Including, the valley. So as I take a moment to just praise God during these hard times, I encourage you to do the same. No matter where you are, God's works are indeed as the verse says, "wonderful".
Take a moment to shine to those who are also in the valley. Often when I am so self-focused, I miss the fact that God may have me in this valley to shine a light to others there with me. Maybe I can be a help to someone else. How will I know if I am only looking at myself, boo-hooing?
"Praise God... for wonderful are His works!" Psalm 78:4
