As Christians, we aren’t supposed to like what has come to be called “the Valley experience”. Am I right? We are supposed to be striving for the mountain-top moments where we shine like a light for Christ, joyful, productive, happy, and showing the world how great our lives are. Right?
Well I agree. There is certainly nothing wrong with loving those parts of life. Certainly nothing wrong with celebrating the Lord’s goodness and providence in those moments where, even if everything is NOT right with the world, we are at least resting, trusting, and glorifying God with our lives, actions and attitudes.
But here is the thing: I think the valley is easier.
“What? No, it isn’t,” you say. “The valley hurts, the valley is dark and sad, and lonely, and sometimes it is the valley of the shadow of death. I don’t want that. I want to say, like Psalm 40, ‘He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.’ That’s what I want: not the valley”.
Please read the rest of my latest article for Heart of the Matter Online.
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Speaking of literal running, I do hill repeats on Tues. This means a nice slow scenic run for 3Km then run up a hill 6 times with no real break (other than hyperventilating on the down side of it.)Ugh. Then another 3 km to regain my breath, ha ha. I have found myself quite disillusioned after mountaintop experiences.It is such a high and you can't stay there! Most of the valleys have been of my own making. You are right, repentance and seeking God are the answer. What a sweet relief to fall to your knees and cry out to God. Life really IS a 'Pilgrim's Progress' and I'm most often in the valley with my backpack on....
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