Peace In The Valley

Recently I found myself in the midst of "a whole-lotta-demands." My attention was being demanded of from every direction. As the day bore on the situations escalated, as did my stress. At that point I wanted so much to retreat into a cave and not come out until all demands had been met- by someone else.

I had the distinct pleasure of being able to call a friend and, after much boo-hooing (crying) she was able to minister to me. I told her I just wanted to run and hide for a while. She of course said I couldn't do that. And she reminded me that God was in control and the devil likes to try to get us to give up right before the victory.

The next morning when I awoke a song came to mind, one I hadn't heard since I was a child, "Peace in the Valley." All day that song rang in my ears. I finally downloaded the song and listened to it. Although the song refers to the valley as heaven, God says we can have peace in our valleys now.

Romans 5:1 says Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) We have peace. That means we can experience it now. Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus himself is our peace.

This does not mean we won't have trials. In fact, we need trials. They produce perseverance, character and hope in us. But the peace we can experience during these trials is understanding who God is, knowing His power, and believing He will take care of His children. It is also knowing that the trials only last for a season.

Philippians 4:7 says And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Have you ever talked with someone who was going through a horrendous trial yet they were at complete peace in the situation? You may have thought to yourself "there is no way I could withstand that." Yet we can! It's a peace that only God can give.

Although my situations did not disappear, instead escalated even more, I did find peace. I found an assurance that God would not allow me to walk this path alone. He reminded me of His promises and I chose to stand on those instead of wallowing in my valley. Oh sure, it's hard. Because where there are valleys there are mountains. But those mountains are meant to be climbed. There is victory at the top!

In the valley? Draw peace from God to endure the valley. Draw strength from God to climb that mountain. God Bless~