I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

~Psalm 121:1-2 ESV

The top of the mountain is where we all want to live. Not some kind of “pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by” existence, but a life lived on the mountaintop of God’s leading. There, we discover we can trust Him. He is faithful and good. 

We love living here. I believe most of us would prefer to dwell there permanently, but God will not let us because we need the valleys.

In the valleys, we learn to depend on God. Our valleys teach us essential things. Through our battles, large and small, we learn to stand strong, lean on God, and not give up when diagnosed with an illness or disease. We learn to trust God when we lose someone we love or when our world turns upside down. Additionally, we learn to trust Him when life gets too stressful, busy, or out of control.

But we also learn lessons on the mountaintop. We discern God’s direction. We begin to enjoy Jesus and build our relationship with Him. Studying His Word and praying no longer become activities we try to get through. Instead, these times become joyful. As we begin to discern the direction He wants us to take, we are encouraged about the possibilities He has in store.

On the mountain, we learn to be ourselves and quit pretending. We no longer have to hide behind a façade because we feel insecure about our testimony. Only God can define who we are in Christ Jesus. He allows us the freedom to become who He created us to be before the foundation of the world.

The mountain teaches us to love. When we finally realize how much God loves us, we can reach out to others in love and service. We become God’s hands and feet on earth. God has placed us here to be His ambassadors so we can draw others to Him. On the mountaintop, we learn that we are safe in Christ no matter what lies ahead. We can trust in Jesus alone.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

~Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

God is faithful, and He is good.

On the mountain, God teaches us how to live in the valley. We cannot always live life on the mountaintop because we learn the difficult things in the valleys. But the mountain brings joy to our journey.

Reflect on some of the lessons God taught you in the valleys and on the mountaintops.

Gracious God, You are my Rock and my salvation. I am grateful You love me enough to teach me Your lessons through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Continue to teach me while I dwell in the valleys of life, and let me find joy on the mountaintop. In the sweet name of Jesus, amen.

 

Genre: Non-Fiction

Copyright 2020: He Is Faithful and Good: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved