Some time during everyones life they must travel through hills and valleys. It is comforting to know that in those times God is always present.
The Valley
Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…It’s been one of those years.
My father passed away this last spring after suffering with poor health for quite a while. Since he was a Christ follower it was truly only a “shadow of death” for now he lives in heaven with his savior and redeemer Jesus Christ. Though it was only a shadow, his death was quite a tough valley to walk through. During his struggles I know without a doubt that my Shepherd and His goodness and mercy followed me closely. Through it all I felt His peace and comfort constantly. Yes, there were tears and a multitude of “I don’t understand Father” but God’s presence was with us throughout.
Looking back I can clearly see how He was was walking with us every step of the way.
The Hills
The fact that God was right there with me sort of turned the valley into a bit of hill. There is nothing like knowing that the God of the Universe is listening to your every prayer.
His answers weren’t always the ones I wanted but they were always best for me and my family and even for my dad. I still don’t understand it all, but I’m thankful that this prodigal got a chance to give back some unconditional love to his Dad. His love for me through the many years that I wandered in the darkness is a debt I could never repay and one he’d never ask me to. Still, I am thankful I was able to give back in his time of trouble. In retrospect I can see that opportunity was also a bit of a hill in the middle of a valley.
I love the song “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells. It has repeatedly blessed me this past year in this tough trial. The song helped remind me that God is with me in every situation. He is truly my God on the hills and in the valleys.
This year has also made me realize many more hills in my life.
I’ve come to recognize even more the blessings in my life I often take for granted. If I were to look back on my life and assign hills and/or valleys to the different experiences I’ve had I’d see mostly hills and even hills in the valleys when God walked with me through bad times. One way to say it might be that my God the Mountain Mover can turn a valley into a hill simply by showing up when I need Him. How awesome is that? I guess my only concern is “Do all these hills God has provided for me make me a hillbilly?” I reckon I’m okay with that.
Yours truly, Jethro (I mean David)
Leave a Reply