God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. – Psalm 46:1-3
Everyone talks about the mountaintops. Reaching them, staying there, how beautiful those places are. Now I’m not one to knock the mountaintop, don’t get me wrong.
But I wanted to point out to you today, Dear One, in case you’ve forgotten, that the valleys hold beauty of their own. I’ve lived in a few valleys in my life, and they are places of cool shadows. They provide shelter from the wind and storms. They are the places where the water is found.
Maybe right now is a mountaintop time in your life. If so, then relish it. Soak it in and tuck the memories away for darker days. Live on that mountaintop with God and be thankful.
But if right now is a valley time for you, please keep this in mind:
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. – Psalm 139:7-8
You are not lost to Him, no matter how high your days take you. You are well-known to Him, no matter how low the nights carry you.
Mountain or valley… He has good planned for you. God has comforting arms and bountiful tables prepared for you. Christ is walking beside you, no matter the elevation or terrain. His eyes, when they find yours, will glow with joy just for your presence.
Mountains and Valleys. We all have them. And we all have Him. No matter what.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23
Father, walk beside us even more closely in the valleys. May we never wonder if You are there, or if You care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
I love how you use scripture throughout this entire post! Your writing is so motherly and easy to read. I also really love this quote:
“Christ is walking beside you, no matter the elevation or terrain. His eyes, when they find yours, will glow with joy just for your presence.”
Such truth! Thank you for the inspiration. God Bless.
-Sam
Sam Eaton recently posted…It’s Only a Mountain, Tell it to Move.
Thank you so much, Sam! You were such an encouragement to me today! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Absolutely beautiful my friend! Wonderful reminder!
Deb+Wolf recently posted…You are Beautiful Link Party
Thank you, Deb! Love you. Heart Hugs <3
Another great “read” my dear friend!
Another great reminder of God’s care on the mountain top and in the valley
Psalm 139 is one of my favorites!
Love you ♡♡♡
Love you, too, sweet Barb! <3 Heart Hugs
Absolutely beautiful, Shelly. Loved this >>> “Mountain or valley… He has good planned for you.” Wherever we find ourselves, it is good because He is with us! Praying for you! X0
Joanne Viola recently posted…Send
Amen, Joanne! That is the perfect way to put it! <3 Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly
Hi Shelly
Thank you for your encouragement. I can certainly testify how valleys hold beauty of their own. I am truly thankful for the treasures contained within the valley.
You are a treasure of my valley, Anita. I am so glad He crossed our paths. Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
It is such a comfort to remember that our God is always with us! He’s there in the highs and there in the lows…He’ll never leave our side! We are not alone…
Blessings & love, Joan
Joan recently posted…Taking Stock and Sharing His Beauty Blog Link Up
Don’t know what we’d do that comfort, Joan! I am so glad to share the valley with sisters like you! I love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
As usual, you are a blessing. You are one who uses the word to bless others…thank you
Chris Malkemes recently posted…The Song that Hits the Heart – There Must Be Something In The Water
Thank you, Chris! You blessed me, today, too! <3 Heart Hugs, Shelly
When I think of mountains and valleys, I realize that all the beauty of the mountains flow into the valleys. The effort it takes to climb a mountain is only possible when one has taken nourishment from the valleys. My go too mountain song.
Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain, and you;ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known
But when things change and you’re down in the valley, don’t lose faith for you’re never alone
For the God of the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times, He’s still God in the bad times
And the God of the day, He’s still God in the night.
Betty+Draper recently posted…More pure wisdom…
Oh I absolutely LOVE that song, Betty! Thank you for bringing it to mind today! You have blessed me. <3 Heart Hugs, Shelly
Shelly, this is such beautiful encouragement for all of us. I do think we have certain mountain top times but honestly, they are rare. It’s isn’t where we live most of our time. I know you’ve lived in and through some valleys which makes this post all the more precious. Thanks for linking up at Grace and Truth my friend.
Arabah recently posted…Grace & Truth Link up PLUS $100 GC Giveaway!
You are so right, Arabah! We do live much more in the Valleys, and thankfully we can go nowhere that is away from His presence. I’m excited to be involved in the new linkup! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
“Mountains and Valleys. We all have them. And we all have Him. No matter what.”
Yes, “we all have Him.” Shelly that simple sentence is so profound for me tonight. I was reading and commenting on your comment to me just a bit ago, and came by. Now you are blessing me. God’s Word guides us no matter where we are and remembering that He is with us, “no matter what,” is such a key to our living as a Christian. We cannot forget.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
It is key, isn’t it, Linda? Thank you for encouraging me today. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
AMEN! Thank you for your beautiful words and the reminder that God is with me in the valley. Have a blessed week.
Love you, Barbie! Praying your week is a blessed one! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Your heart for encouragement is a blessing. Basking in your wisdom tonight friend. Have a great week.
Lisha+Epperson recently posted…Give Me Grace : Wanderings of a Daughter
Lisha, you always bless me. Love you. Hope your week is a blessed one! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Thanks for this great most…yes, it is so important to remember God is always with us…whether we’re in the valley or on the mountain! Perfect song to go along with this post…of course, by my favorite Christian band! 🙂
Christine recently posted…WHEN YOUR BEST ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH