Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
So many people have described the Christian walk as a series of mountains and valleys. Sometimes you are on a spiritual “high” and thus on a mountaintop or on a spiritual “low” in a valley. I think that there are sometimes flat areas as well, like a long highway that seems to stretch on forever. On a mountaintop, it is much easier to worship and feel close to God, but in a valley, it could be argued the same is also true because you are reduced to a raw and deeply penetrating hurt from which you need God’s help to survive. Maybe it is during these two times that God has shown you amazing Grace and Mercy. I know he has for me.
What about those long stretches of flat road? Have you ever found yourself traveling along with no immediate threats to your beliefs or no challenges to your life? My father-in-law is a retired preacher and he preached for over 40 years. One of his sayings was that “if the Devil isn’t after you, then maybe he’s already got you.” Well, I certainly don’t want to invite trouble but I have to tell you that when the Devil is after you, you will certainly know it.
Troubles come in many forms, whether directly from a spiritual attack or from the daily challenges of life. The stories in my own family have shown me so much about my need to seek God daily, no matter where I am on that road of life, whether it’s a mountain, a valley, or somewhere between. I’m positive that you could all tell stories in your own lives as well. Take a moment today to analyze where you are right now. If you are in a valley, you most certainly know it. If you are on a mountaintop, you are probably aware of that as well. If you are not sure, I would bet you have found a nice flat area. Don’t let that road deceive you into drifting away from your Father in Heaven. You never know when you are going to hit a bump or curve that sends you right back into another valley. Building your relationship with him now will help you prepare for what lies ahead. He is always there…waiting for you.
