Hills and Valleys

     

      As I spent some much needed time at the beach with my Bestie this weekend, it never fails that God uses the water to calm my soul. Using nature to speak to me is not uncommon, so why should I be surprised by it right?! Yet He always, always, amazes me. As we were walking the shore line heading toward the pier, I of course, was on the look out for shells. Im a bit shell obsessed so Im always watching. As we walked, I noticed again something I’ve  seen a million times before….all the ripples in the sand from the waves. Ive also felt them under my feet all the way out as far as I could touch. 

Seeing them hit me differently yesterday. It was at that point I felt the Lord speak to me as I watched the waves crash over them. I said to my friend, “They are much like life arent they? Hills and valleys throughout our entire lives.”  I quickly asked him if he would take a picture of it since I didn’t have my phone handy, so the photo credit is all his. We then just stood in silence for several minutes studying all the “hills and valleys” as the waves covered them and moved toward shore.

There is no doubt that in life we are constantly transitioned between hills and valleys. I was quickly reminded of the song “Hills and Valleys”.  I don’t know anyone who is a fan of the valleys, but we cant deny how much we learn when we are there. It is only by being in a valley at our lowest, that we can then recognize and know the fullness of joy of when we are on the mountain top. In both scenarios however we are surrounded by Gods love and grace, and never never alone. 

Interestingly enough you will find these same ripples (hills and valleys) in the dry desert that are made by winds. Don’t take my word, research it for yourself. 

In the Bible, water represents “life”. It also represents refreshment, fertility, birth and cleansing.  Ezekiel 36:25-27

Biblical stories such as Jesus changing water into wine, baptism, and other occurrences serve to emphasize the spiritual and physical significance of water. “Living water” is referenced in the Bible as a gift from God in John 4:10 referring to eternal life.  Christians are baptized with or in water, symbolizing a purification of the soul, and an admission of their faith.

The desert, on the other hand, often symbolizes hardships, famine, obstacles, isolation, or even death. 

Its not that hills and valleys, wherever they occur in life, aren’t difficult, but if Im gonna walk through them, Id much rather do it with the hope of Living Waters flowing over me than alone and isolated in the dry desert trying to make it on my own. Amazingly, the choice is fully ours.  He doesn’t promise things to be easy, but He does promise when we choose Him, and to keep our focus on Him, that He will be with us and never alone. Choose wisely. Jeremiah 29:11 Tells us of the hope we have in the promise He does give for our lives. 

Hills and Valleys (some of the lyrics)

“I've walked among the shadows

You wiped my tears away

And I've felt the pain of heartbreak

And I've seen the brighter days

And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place 

And I have held the blessings

God, you give and take away

No matter what I have, Your grace is enough

No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love

On the mountains, I will bow my life

To the one who set me there

In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there

When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own

When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!

You're God of the hills and valleys!

Hills and Valleys!

God of the hills and valleys

And I am not alone!

I've watched my dreams get broken

In you I hope again!

No matter what I know

Know I'm safe inside Your hand

On the mountains, I will bow my life

To the one who set me there

In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there

When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own

When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!

You're God of the hills and valleys!

Hills and Valleys!

God of the hills and valleys

And I am not alone!”

Song Link: https://youtu.be/p4rRCjrAyCs

Photo credit: Sean D. Mullins

Not Today Satan!!

 Vulnerable and transparent moment here:

     A few weeks ago I was really really struggling with anxiety. It is something that I battle from time to time, but this spring/summer it got really bad with various issues that felt like they popped up one after another, after another…home owner challenges, vehicle challenges, medical challenges, concerns for loved ones, my mom ending up in the hospital etc…  Im not proud of it because what it means is that somewhere along the the lines I let the enemy place a thought that I allowed to seep in and grow. The enemy of our hearts comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He will do it by whatever means we allow…that is the key. We have authority over him because of Jesus. 

Have you ever been in the water trying to get above the surface because you are gasping for air? It felt like that. About the time Id get ready, fighting hard, to resurface for a breath, Id get yanked under again with something else, never able to fully catch my breath. The truth is, that I had the ability to tell what (my thoughts) was allowing me to choke on water to GO in Jesus Name. I was so distracted with circumstances that I couldn’t get my mind to focus and shut out the noise of distraction although I really wanted to. Its almost like I couldn’t shut the sounds of Hell up in my mind.  I got to the point of literally throwing up and being physically ill because of anxiety before it came to a head from a final blow. All of it just before heading out of state to attend a family camp.  I knew I needed that time away, and so did the enemy who was trying so desperately to keep the noise going. It was during that time of quiet I decided I didn’t want to “go back” to that “place”.  Id almost forgotten what that peace really felt like. It was always there for me to obtain, but I have a responsibility to tend to it and receive it.  

Responsibility is two words. Response and ability. If you have the ability to change a situation, what will your response be?  I realized that I had not been using my ability and my response was not good originally. I decided to start choosing differently, but it took me getting into that quiet place to refocus. We have the ability to resist the devil. We have the ability to refuse to listen to him. We have the ability to send him fleeing.  So many people I know are struggling this way. If you belong to God, the devil has no authority over you. He cannot rule your life. He cannot rule your thoughts…unless you invite him in or allow him to stay. The bible says resist him and he must flee. Resist him.

It is your responsibility to resist him. Jesus made a strong statement in John 10. He said His sheep know His voice. He went on to say, His sheep will not listen to, nor follow the voice of a stranger. Only listen to Jesus’ voice. Refuse to listen to or follow the voice of a stranger. The enemy is  relentless. Remember that he doesn’t need a full door open to your mind, but just a sliver of a crack where he can sneak a lie or thought in.   Ive KNOWN these truths for years but he never stops trying to find any crack where he can steal your joy. That IS his primary focus. Its not your family or finances etc…. It IS your joy!!  You know why? The joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH!! If he has your strength then you are easy prey to destroy. It is like little by little he strips your joy until you’re too tired to fight. I felt like Ive been there at times where Ive wanted to give in, fold, just be done…..BUT GOD!!!  God will always send you reminders of His truth. He will prompt people to pray, send reminders or encourage. He will speak to you but YOU need to be listening and willing to use your ability, your AUTHORITY. 

How do we do that? We hold every single solitary thought captive. It is in that moment that you have to determine what to do with that thought. Is it true, noble, right, pure, or lovely, As stated in Philippians chapter 4?  Or is it a fearful thought, one that steals your power and makes you feel like you are unstable and not of sound mind? You will know the difference by taking a look at 2 Timothy 1:7. Whatever the thought, if it’s not of God…shut it down immediately. Practice it as your RESPONSE within your ABILITY. Tell that devil NO!! NOT TODAY SATAN!!