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
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