Evelyn Mason Wells: Mountaintop and Valley Living
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 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, a place where we know we are living in God’s will and following His direction for our lives. This is a place where we can trust Him. We love living there.
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No matter how much we would like to constantly dwell on the mountaintop, God won’t let us. We need the valleys. That is where we learn to depend on God. The valleys we go through provide lessons we need to learn.
Through the adversities we encounter in the valley, we learn to stand strong. We learn to lean on God and not give up when we are diagnosed with a serious illness or disease, when we lose a loved one, or when our world turns upside down. We also learn to trust Him when life gets too stressful, too busy, or too out of control. The valley is where we live most of our life. We do not want to be there, but that is where He has us live as we learn to depend on Him. The valley prepares us to live on the mountaintop.
There are lessons to be learned on the mountaintop, as well. There, we begin to discern the direction in which God wants to lead us. This is where we begin to enjoy Jesus and build our relationship with Him. Studying His word and taking time to pray no longer seem to be things we just try to get through. Our Bible study and prayer become joyful as we learn to communicate with God out of thanksgiving and praise.
On the mountaintop, we learn to be ourselves. We no longer try to be someone we are not. We do not have to hide behind a façade. We are no longer insecure in our testimony. We learn that no one can define who we are in Christ. Only God can do that. And He allows us the freedom to become whom He created us to be.
On the mountaintop, we learn to love. When we finally realize just how much God loves us, we can reach out to others in love and service. We are His hands and His feet on earth. God has placed us here to be His ambassadors so we can draw others to Him through the love we show them. On the mountaintop, we learn that no matter what lies ahead, we are safe in Him. We can trust in Jesus alone. God is faithful, and He is good.
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
On the mountaintop, we learn that God will show us how to live in the valley. He teaches us we cannot always live on the mountaintop because the valley is where we learn that. Even though we walk through difficult days, the mountaintop is where we learn the lessons which bring joy in the journey.
Think about the valleys and mountains in your life and how they have impacted your walk with the Lord.
Gracious God, we are grateful You love us enough to teach us the joy in the journey.
In the Sweet Name of Jesus, Amen.
Genre: Non-Fiction; Bible Study
Copyright 2021: Mountaintop and Valley Living: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved
Meet Our Contributor
EVELYN MASON WELLS
Evelyn Mason Wells is an award-winning author who has contributed to Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2019 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Glimmers of Heavenly Light (Faith Books & More), Let the Earth Rejoice (Worthy Inspired), Breaking the Chains (2018 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Just Breathe (Worthy/Ellie Claire), and Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (Lighthouse Bible Studies).
Find her articles/devotions at Refresh Bible Study Magazine and Christian Broadcasting Network.
Evelyn is an Editor, Bible study writer, and devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More. She is a contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).
Passionate about glorifying God through her writing and speaking, Evelyn enjoys spending time on short-term mission trips, both domestic and foreign. She was recently blessed with an opportunity to speak/minister in Uganda.
Evelyn loves attending Bible Studies, spiritual retreats, and having good conversation with friends over lunch or a glass of tea. She is also an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. Evelyn enjoys her family (including Mason and Lilly, her two grandchildren), her friends, good books, her cats, traveling, and especially spending time with her family.
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Excellent devotion, Evelyn. Thank you for reminding us of mountaintop and valley living. Both are important in our spiritual journey.
Evelyn, your beautiful descriptions illustrate the balance of mountaintop and valley experiences that mold our walk with Christ. Our love for Him grows in both places. Thank you for this excellent post.
Thank you for your kind words and sharing words from Jane Eggleston and Billy Graham. Last month I had the privilege of visiting the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. I had gone about seven years and enjoyed it, but they have added to it since then. it was such a blessing to visit again. The Holy Spirit was present in that place. I was so blessed.
You brought two of my most cherished thoughts to mind with your post Ms. Evelyn. The first is a quote from Rev. Billy Graham; “Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” The second is a line from one of my favorite poems, “In the Valleys I Grow”, by Ms. Jane Eggleston. That line is, “I have so much to learn, And my growth is very slow. Sometimes I need the mountain tops, But it’s in the valleys I grow.” Thank you for bringing such peace to my morning. God’s blessing dear lady.