I'm in a valley right now. Not a terrible one. But a valley all the same. A valley is something we are going through that is not what we would want. Sometimes we are put in a valley because of others. Sometimes we are put in a valley because of ourselves. The valleys are used by God to help us grow. Nevertheless, valleys are not places we enjoy being. I will not share with you what this valley is however, I will share with you what I do when I'm in a valley. Something I have learned over the years as I've grown closer to God. When I'm in a valley I need God's help. I need to wait patiently on the Lord. The Bible says that you should count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 4:2-4) So I know that how I act during this time needs to be pleasing to God. This is what I know; God is in control of everything. All things work together for good to those that love the Lord (Rom 8:28). Well, I love the Lord and know that this valley is somehow going to work out for my good. How do I know? Because God doesn't lie. And because I have faith in Him. I believe how I act during this time determines how long I remain in the valley. I am not saying I don't get down during this time - sometimes I cry, sometimes I complain, sometimes I act...human. But as I grow closer to the Lord these ways get less and less. As quickly as I can, I turn to my Comforter - the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I go into my "prayer room", turn on some worship music and praise God for all the blessings He has given to me. I turn my thoughts to Him. While the valley remains I can choose to focus on Him rather than on my valley. When I focus on Him I am filled with peace and joy!
For now, as I walk through this valley, I am singing and praising Him! I know that this is somehow going to better me. One thing I am sure of is that while I am in this valley I am getting closer to my Savior - and that is one reason I will gladly stay there.
Today started out - like I try to start most of my days - up before anyone else, a large cup of java in hand and then up to my "prayer room" to spend some quiet time with God. This is the best part of my day but it wasn't always. I used to dread waking up early to go and read the bible and pray. I always knew it was what I was supposed to do and always envied people that said how awesome their time with God was but I just didn't get it. So, one day I asked the Lord to help me. To give me the desire to want to read His Word and to spend time with Him. I started forcing myself to get up and do it. Then one day very soon after I prayed I realized that the days I didn't spend with God in the morning felt "off". Like I didn't have the peace to get me through when things went wrong. Like I wasn't as patient with my daughter or husband. Like the bounce from my step was missing. I realized I missed spending time with God. I know this may sound a little strange to a lot of you but I'd rather give up my coffee than give up my quiet time - and trust me I LIKE my coffee! The stronger the better! But when I spend time with God I get stronger! He transforms me! He talks to me through His Word! He gives me what a need for the day before I ever need it. Without my knowing I'm going to need it. The more time I spend with Him the more I fall in love with Him. I find that He truly amazes me! I don't know why I'm amazed. I mean He is God! Still, I want to be amazed everyday! I think it helps me to know that I'm paying attention to the things He's doing in my life.
Here's just a little encouragement for you. Take that first step and ask God to give you the desire to want to read His Word and spend time with Him. You aren't keeping a secret from Him. He already knows that it may be the last thing you want to do. But get ready to be amazed!
