Hills and Valleys
Hey guys and welcome back to The Faith Filled Friends. Today we return for another Message Monday devotion. With the recent release of Tauren Wells first full length album, we have decided to talk about one of His greatest songs, “Hills and Valleys”. Today we will be looking at what this means and how to still worship God when we are lost in the valleys. Let’s dive into it.
Message Monday
Hills and Valleys (The Valleys version)- Tauren Wells
‘…I’ve walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I’ve felt the pain of heartbreak
And I’ve seen the brighter days
And I’ve prayed prayers to heaven from my lowestplace
And I have held the blessings
God, you give and take away…’
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, we all know that. Some days we feel like we are on top of the world and literally the next day could feel like a lowest point. Life is hard and we all have to face trials and pain, it is just how life is. In the beginning, we had a choice; God or make ourselves God. We live in a broken world because of that original sin, because of our treason.
Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
‘…No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I’m standing in Your love…’
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Our God is the healer of our wounds. When we arrive at eternity’s shore we have a hope that there will be no more pain, no more suffering and only perfect, beautiful love! Our God will wipe the tears from our eyes and fill us up with joy. But while we are on Earth we will face many trials that will test us. But the steadfast grow strong in the challenge. We have to stretch to grow.
Like we discussed yesterday, we are like trees planted in Jesus. We need roots to grow deep in Jesus so that we are not blown away when the storms hit. The strongest trees grow in the windiest places. The more pain and trials we face the stronger we grow.
‘…I’ve watched my dreams get broken
In you I hope again!
No matter what I know
Know I’m safe inside Your hand…’
Psalm 34:22
“The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.”
When we face pain, don’t blame God and curse Him. It is hard and I know that I haven’t faced anything that bad in my life so far. This is why Job is such a great man of God in the bible. His life was perfect and He loved God. He praised the Lord while He lived on the hills, but soon pain hit and it hit big time. He lost everything, his wife, his family, his health and all his possessions. But through all of this Job never once cursed or blamed God.
God lifts us up. When we find ourselves on mountains we can praised God and thank Him that we are not in the valleys. Our God walks with us through the valleys and we will make it through. When we make it through, we would have had our faith shaken, but our roots would have grown. We pursue God in the valleys, we need to lift our eyes to the one who sees us there.
‘…On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I’m standing on the mountain, I didn’t get there on my own
When I’m walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You’re God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys…’
Psalm 34:19-20
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”
God has promised that the trial will never be too much that we can’t handle.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Our family and friends will also face many trials. We often think it is just us who suffers but when we open our eyes and look around we realise how blessed we are. We need to encourage one another with scripture to help each other through the valleys. We need to take up the sword of the spirit, for the battle is not of flesh and blood but it is in the spirit. Here is some ammo for when you find yourself or a loved one in the valley.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each otherʼs burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
1 Peter 4:16
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
Our pain is short compared to the eternity ahead. Don’t lose faith or waver when you feel down. Our God is stronger than anything and everything. Joy will come in the morning, for the pain is short.
Psalms 30:4
‘…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’
Yesterday I watch an amazing devotional video. I have had this devotion planned for awhile now but we want God’s words and not our own, so I planned it and left it. But I believe God wants this message to be heard now. I don’t know what you are facing but I believe this message is for someone.
Greater Than: Day 2- Francis Chan
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
I pray that this devotion blessed you today. It is a great song and a very true message for all of us.
God I pray that you will remind us that you are God. We often forget that you are the creator of everything. Fill us awe and wonder once again and help us to fear you. Lord, help us to worship you on the hills and in the valleys. I give you all my trust. Here’s my heart Lord. I am yours.
Amen!
God Bless
The Faith Filled Friends
Faith Filled Friends 