As the hurricane approaches Jamaica, I checked in with my sister from another mister.
I visited her home some years ago, and one of my favorite views was standing at her back kitchen sink, looking out the window to the majestic mountains, seemingly just outside her window.
As I visited earlier this year, and as we drove in the wee hours of the morning when the sun was just breaking through, she started explaining how she was surrounded by mountains. Somehow, in the times I’d visited her before, I had never noticed that.
As the hurricane is approaching and I checked on her, I prayed that her being in a valley (of sorts) would protect her from the promised elements (even as I continue to pray that it misses all the islands completely). After all, the winds and storms obey Him.
As I thought more of our conversation, I realize that often times, we want to be on the mountain top. The mountain top indicates success and that ‘we have arrived’, but something stirred in my spirit. The valley is where God does His protective work. It’s the place where He hides us from the elements and takes care of us.
There is beauty in the valley.
I’m reminded of Psalm 23:2-4 ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’
Friends, it’s in the valleys that there are green pastures. It’s in the valleys that there is water, that restores our souls and gives us rest. The valley may seem scary, but, He is there with us, protecting us and providing comfort.
And, my conclusion: the mountain top is nice, and I get to experience the majestic views, but it’s when we are in the valley that we experience His tender loving care, and His provision.
Dear Heavenly Father, would you open my eyes so that I can see that my valley experience is not wasted? Would you allow me to see the beauty that surrounds me in the valley? The quiet waters where you restore my soul, the flowers that grow because they are near the life source? Would you show me all that I miss because I’m complaining because I am in the valley, not realizing that’s where you do some of your best work?