The Mountaintop

“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’s 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 anointest 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 for ever.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭

We prefer the mountaintop over the valley. Valleys are hard, dark, often lonely, and sometimes seem never-ending. The mountaintop offers clarity, peace, and rest. There is a sense of victory on the mountaintop.

Praise comes easy on the mountaintop. We may even feel closer to God there. 

But we must not despise the valley. 

You see, the mountaintop is beautiful, but there are no fresh streams, flowers, or grasses there. Sheep can’t survive on the mountaintop. Everything they need is found in the valley. 

Sheep trust the shepherd’s care and leading, even in the valley. In true shepherd fashion, we can be sure that our Shepherd has gone before His sheep. He knows exactly what is in the valley, how long it is, what is there for us, and how to guide us through. 

God does not expect us to ask for valleys, but He does want us to be thankful and trust Him in the valley. 

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ 

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭1‬ 

We know trials will come, we will be challenged, strengthened, and made more like Him. 

We have a choice. We can learn to look to the Saviour, or we can focus on the circumstance which is beyond our control. 

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ 

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ 

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ 

There is a purpose in every trial, whether for you or someone else. It is part of your testimony. 

Finding something to be thankful for when you are hurting is difficult, but it is possible.

Trust the Lord and follow as He leads through the valley. 

Valleys aren’t caves; they will end.

Learn to appreciate the valley.

Stay in the Word, stay close to the Shepherd, and let Him lead you in paths of righteousness.

With Hope in His Service,

Heather