I think it is time for us to rethink the idea of whether we would rather be on the mountain top or in the valley. The more I study on this, the more I think we may have it backwards. Walk through this with me and see what you think.
One of my favorite songs is God on the Mountain. And in this song it says "The God on the mountain is the God in the valley... The God of the good times is still God in the bad times." I believe that God is the same no matter where we are but here is my question--Why do we think the mountain top is the best place to be?
Here is a picture of a mountain top. Look at it. Nothing is alive... nothing is growing... it is a barren, rocky place. Why would you want to be there?
I understand that we often equate being on the mountain top with being closer to God or having overcome some trial. That somehow we have made the climb with God's help and now we are conquerors. And, yes, the view from the top is beautiful. But is that all you want? Is your only goal to reach the top and look at the view from that point on? Not me.
Now, let's look at this valley. See the lush green growth? See the life sustaining water flowing through it? It has to be in the valley where growing occurs. So, is that why we don't like the valleys? Because we know so much of our growth comes through trials and temptations? Through times that we would rather not have to face?
But, don't we want to grow? Don't we want to learn more about God, to grow closer to Him, to recognize our need for Him everyday? Do I mean that I look forward to those hard times in life? Absolutely not! Just like most people, I would not mind floating through life with never a worry or trial or problem. But, I DO want to grow. I want to see God working IN me and THROUGH me. I want to overcome all of these horrible things in my human nature. I want to grow more Christlike day by day and that is not an easy path.
I know many times we read that it is on the mountain top where we meet with God. But, really, when do call on God more? In times of exhilaration, in those all-is-right-in-my-world moments? If we are honest, we know the answer is no. We call on God, we beg for His help, His guidance, we ask Him to carry us when we are in the midst of the valley. We seek Him more often when going through a trial than we do in the good times. When He is shaping us, working His will in us down in that valley, it is all to work for His good, to His glory but to our benefit.
I think, then, that even though I love those moments of exhilaration, that I will not fret over my time in the valley. I will look at it as God taking time to teach me what I need to know. I will dig my feet into that rich soil and take advantage of the stream nearby. I will allow myself to be more rooted in Him and to grow--to become what God wants me to become. I want to be able to feel the joy that comes with blooming through God's grace and mercy. I need the growth and the pruning to fulfill the purpose God has for me. I NEED the valley!
May God bless you in a special way today!!
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