Walking Through The Valley

Before diving into dramatic narratives in which I strive to bring the hazy, obscurity of my feelings into a pithy, silver-tongued note of encouragement about some lesson I recently learned in life, I must prologue this attempt with this declaration that I wish the whole world might hear and know:

God is absolutely, completely, and inexpressibly amazing. When you grow close to him, he comes close to you. And your eyes are open in such ways that you never dreamed you’d witness such remarkable changes in your life.

Now on to my note:

We all have low points in our life. I like to think of them as if we were pilgrims, progressing through a lifetime quest, battling a myriad of foes and obstacles, trudging through the valleys of death, and onward toward everlasting eternity. When we have valley experiences, they are usually longer than we think we can bear, harder than we think we can stand, and darker than we thought possible.  I was having such a week in the valley; it was very much a low point if ever there was one. My soul was drowning in what seemed like endless tears, my hope was obscured by the thick clouds, and my joy was lost among the sound of icy raindrops as they beat merciless upon my body. (Melodramatic, no?) I prayed to God. I prayed my way through my day. I asked him to save me from such pain.

And he heard me.

My day yesterday, began to get brighter once I got to work. People were good to me which helped comfort my spirit. People made me smile and laugh. My physical pain was eased. I was able to get food for my pantries. Even those who try my nerves were good to me last night. I went to bed feeling, if anything, a relief of the sadness. The pressure upon my heart was lifted. My circumstances have not changed dramatically, but I was given a respite on my journey. A cool drink on a thirsty day. I give all the credit to God! I recall in the Bible where it says that he will not give us more than we can bear, he will always provide a way out when we are assaulted by trials and temptations.

I spent a short time with a friend last night when he took me to the store and it made me ponder deeply some thoughts. I always am thinking about me. I think about my problems, what I need, how JENNIE might help other people, how JENNIE might save someone, or encourage them, or be useful. Rooted in my efforts, there is a part of me that hungers for appreciation, praise, and attention from people. I think we all long for that to some degree. But after listening to my friend talk a little about his chaotic life, I felt rather ashamed of myself. Here I am crying in desolation about the unhappy state of my life, how I feel lost, how I feel useless and adrift, how I am trying to help others with my own self focused intentions. But how I am ignoring the great blessings I have. I have time! I have precious beautiful mornings where I might do whatever I want! 

I can read, I can write, I can pray. I can read my Bible, I can go for a walk, I can move my room around…again, I can bake a cake—I have the blessing of time! How many people have that? Often, God uses this friend particular to stir me out of my self-pity. And because I have much respect for him, I am able to seriously see a contrast, realizing just how much I have to grow. (What a beautiful gift of opportunity!) I focus so much on what I can do, that I fail to realize that it isn't ME who changes people, it is God! It is his work through me, not my work through myself which touches others' lives. I must decrease, so that HE might increase. Like many girls, I am sure, I have noble aspirations for my feminine character —A woman full of sweetness and grace, a quiet spirit, and a gentle, loving heart. But with my rotten and most times distraught attitude, this beautiful dream seems just too hard and exhausting to keep up with.  Yet, God in his infinite wisdom and mercy always puts people or situations in our life to help train us. The thing about training, though, is that it always takes longer than we imagine. And some days, it seems more than we can bear. We get discouraged thinking that it is impossible that we’ll ever succeed.

But God is faithful to complete the good work he started within us. If we are truly children of God, take heart when you come into trials because that means God is teaching you like beloved children. He is refining your heart and character into pure gold. So remember: He will never leave you. He always hears you. He watches over you. Open your eyes and see how God is working beautifully in your life. Keep him close to your heart and he will take you safely through the valleys! One day we will reach the end of our journey, no more sorrows, no more sighing-- we shall have everlasting joy and a crown which never will fade!

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. ~ Philippians 1:6

  

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.~ Psalm 57:2

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. ~Psalm 23:1-6