“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” Psalm 16:9 ESV
I can’t name one person that likes to be disciplined. No one in their right mind likes the trials of life, the disappointments, pain, or setbacks. But let’s face it. We all have those things in common. Life happens to the best (and worst) of us.
I remember speaking for NAMB out in Colorado in 2007 and on the day that I only had a morning session, my friend Will and I set off to visit the famed Rocky Mountains. I was taken aback by the shear mass of these incredible mountains. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I wasn’t ready for what I saw. It was one of the many times that I stood by something and genuinely felt how small I truly am in comparison to the Greatness of God. Being from the east coast, I was accustomed to seeing the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that at best, are land pimples compared to what I was now seeing. I also noticed something else very strange that day that I had never seen as we drove through Estes Park.
Once we reached a certain elevation, the trees were deformed and twisted. Few branches had foliage and what they foliage they did have was sparse. I asked Will about it and he explained what’s called a ‘tree line.’ Due to the altitude, lack of oxygen, and the cooler temperatures; these trees were struggling to survive. It was just ‘one of those days’ that you could point and click a postcard quality picture at any moment. We were told that you could see for over 125 miles in every direction. Sure, the view was amazing but it was almost void of life.
Down in the valley, it was green with lush vegetation, trees of every size, and it was easy to breathe. Why? Because the soil is rich, the water supply is seemingly endless, and a balance of temperatures exists. But no one likes the valley. I am of no use to the Kingdom of God if I have only spent time on the mountain. We want the views, experiences, and recognition of the mountain tops. But the paradox of life is that the only way we can truly enjoy the mountain top is because of our time spent learning, growing, and being emptied in the valley. I am of no use to the Kingdom of God if I have only spent time on the mountain. Like the trees struggling for life, my understanding of everything in my life is skewed at best if my only frame of reference is the moments without pain. The valley moments prepare me for usefulness on the mountain. The time in the valley creates a deep sense of gratitude and dependence towards God when back on the mountain.
So where are you today? Don’t rush out of the valley. God is more than likely trying to teach you something. God is preparing your life for usefulness. After all, He allowed Jesus, His perfect Son, to face death on our behalf. You are in superb company and the view, it’s great from down here.
Enjoy!
Great truth! God does seem to have HIS way to get us to ‘learn’ from valley experiences. I was reading your ‘Leadership Essentials’ on ‘Revolution Speaks’ (Woodstock, GA)and saw your blog link. But, God wanted me to read about discipline and the valleys of life in your blog. I often fight / claw trying to get away from the valleys, but when I relax and ‘look up’ like a baby in a bath looks up to his father, then I learn, grow, and can move on. Ps 36: 5-10. Thanks for your wisdom. You are a blessing! From a song,.. In the valley, I find peace, because YOU (God) are there…. My God is so faithful! I’ll never be alone.. Amen. I live in Cordova, TN. God does connect the dots in life.