Hills and Valleys

A Guide to Navigating Life's Spiritual Landscape

Life is a journey marked by peaks and troughs, which one could equate to a landscape of hills and valleys. For many, these hills symbolize moments of joy, clarity, and divine connection, where the presence of God feels unmistakably real. Valleys, on the other hand, represent periods of struggle, doubt, and perceived distance from God. These contrasting experiences can challenge even the strongest of faiths, leaving us to question: Where is God in these moments? Why do we sometimes feel abandoned in our darkest hours? This essay delves into these spiritual landscapes, offering insights into the unseen work of God during our highest and lowest times. We will explore how to navigate these experiences, embrace the growth they offer, and recognize that God's presence remains steadfast, whether we are basking in the sunlight on the hilltops or navigating the shadows of the valleys. Through this journey, we aim to uncover the profound truth that every hill and valley serves a purpose in shaping our spiritual path and drawing us closer to God.

God's Presence in the Valleys

Valleys, often characterized by hardship, loss, and confusion, can be spiritually disorienting. During these times, it may seem as though God is distant or silent, leaving us to wonder if He has abandoned us. However, the Bible reassures us that God is ever-present, even in the darkest valleys of our lives. This assurance is not just a comforting thought but a profound theological truth rooted in the nature of God as omnipresent and faithful.

Scriptural Reassurance of God’s Presence

In Deuteronomy 31:6, God assures us that “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This verse, spoken to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, underscores a key aspect of God's character—His unwavering commitment to His people. This promise is timeless and applies to all believers, reminding us that God’s presence is not contingent on our circumstances but is a constant in our lives.”

Further reassurance comes from Deuteronomy 31:8, where God repeats his earlier promise a second time, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus assures us of His constant presence in our lives. Therefore, to state that God is not with you in your valley would be to tacitly suggest He is a liar.

Psalm 23:4 is one of the most comforting scriptures for those walking through difficult times: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." This verse vividly portrays God's presence as a guiding and comforting force, akin to a shepherd leading and protecting his sheep. The rod and staff mentioned are tools of protection and guidance, symbolizing God's active involvement in our lives, even when we cannot see Him.

Theological Implications of Omnipresence

The doctrine of God’s omnipresence teaches that God is present everywhere at all times. This means that no matter where we find ourselves—on the mountaintop or in the deepest valley—God is there with us. This attribute of God is affirmed in Psalm 139:7-10, where the psalmist declares, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

This passage highlights that God's presence is not limited by physical space or human understanding. It challenges the perception that God is only present in the good times and absent in the bad. Instead, it reassures us that God is always with us, intimately involved in every aspect of our lives.

Misconceptions About God’s Silence

One common misconception during difficult times is equating God's silence with His absence. However, God's silence can often be a time of testing and growth. For instance, in the story of Job, we see that God's silence did not mean His absence or indifference. Rather, it was a part of a larger divine purpose that was beyond Job’s immediate understanding. Job 23:8-10 captures this sentiment: "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."

Here, Job acknowledges his inability to perceive God's presence yet remains confident that God is aware of his situation and that there is a refining purpose in his trials.

Experiencing God’s Presence in the Valleys

To experience God's presence in the valleys, believers are encouraged to cultivate spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation on God’s prophetic promises for you, scripture reading, and worship. These practices help to attune our hearts to God's voice and presence, even when it is not immediately evident. Psalm 34:18 provides comfort, stating, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This verse assures us that God is particularly near to those who are suffering, offering His comfort and salvation.

Psalm 2:1-2 states, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

Engaging with the Christian community is also vital. Sharing our struggles with fellow believers can provide encouragement and remind us of God's promises. As Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." As it states in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Valleys are challenging, but they are also an integral part of the Christian journey. They provide opportunities to deepen our trust in God and to experience His steadfast love and presence in profound ways. By understanding that God is always with us, even in the valleys, we can find strength and hope to persevere through life's challenges, knowing that we are never alone.

Our Perception of God’s Presence

The contrast between hilltop and valley experiences often lies in our perception rather than God's actual presence or action. On the hilltops, where life is comfortable and blessings are evident, it is easier to acknowledge God's hand. These moments are characterized by clarity, joy, and a strong sense of purpose. In these times, scriptures like James 1:17 remind us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

In the valleys, however, our perception can be clouded by pain, confusion, and doubt. The challenge lies in recognizing that God's presence and purpose remain constant, even when our circumstances do not reflect our desires. As Isaiah 55:8-9 states, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This scripture encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when we cannot understand His plans.

The Purpose of Valleys

Valleys serve a significant purpose in the Christian journey. They are not merely times of hardship but are integral to our spiritual growth and development. Romans 5:3-4 explains, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This passage outlines a progression where trials lead to greater spiritual maturity and hope.

The Bible assures us that God uses these trials for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Without these challenging experiences, our faith would remain shallow and untested. Just as physical muscles grow stronger through resistance, our spiritual resilience and character are developed through enduring life's valleys.

This scripture, found in 1 Peter 4:12-16, emphasizes the role of trials, or valleys, in a believer's life as a necessary and expected part of the Christian experience. The passage advises Christians not to be surprised by the "fiery ordeal" they encounter, which serves to test and refine their faith. It encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings because they are sharing in the sufferings of Christ, leading to a future revelation of God's glory.

The scripture also highlights that suffering for the name of Christ is a blessing, as it indicates that the Spirit of God rests upon the believer. It distinguishes this type of suffering from the consequences of wrongdoing, urging Christians to feel honored, not ashamed, when they suffer as followers of Christ. This suffering is a mark of true discipleship, aligning them with Christ's own experiences and bringing them closer to Him.

Overall, the passage teaches that valleys in a believer's life are opportunities for spiritual growth, deepening their faith and understanding of God's presence. This perspective encourages believers to view their trials not as punishment from God but as integral to their spiritual journey and their relationship with God.

The Valley Is Not an Indication of God's Judgment

One common misconception among believers is that experiencing difficult times, or "valleys," is a sign of God's judgment or disapproval. However, this is not the case for those who are in Christ Jesus. According to Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This foundational truth reassures us that our standing before God is not based on our circumstances but on our relationship with Christ.

As Christians, the distinction between condemnation and discipline is crucial. Condemnation refers to being declared guilty and deserving of punishment, a state from which Christ has delivered us through His sacrifice on the cross. For believers, this means that our sins—past, present, and future—are covered by the blood of Jesus, and we are no longer under God's wrath.

On the other hand, discipline is a form of loving correction designed to bring us closer to God's will for our lives. Hebrews 12:6 explains, "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." This passage highlights that the difficulties we face are not punitive but rather corrective and formative, aimed at helping us grow in spiritual maturity and dependence on God.

The promise of "no condemnation" for those in Christ Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian assurance. It means that our valleys are not evidence of God's disapproval or a withdrawal of His love. Instead, they are occasions to experience His grace, rely on His strength, and witness His faithfulness. Romans 8:31-39 beautifully captures this assurance, declaring that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Different Types of Trials

Christians face a variety of trials, each serving to refine and strengthen their faith. Some of these include:

1. Persecution: As seen in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This form of trial tests our commitment to Christ in the face of opposition. Persecution is any form of worldly power used against a believer but especially the use of violence and coercion. Disagreement is not persecution.

2. Temptation: James 1:12-13 discusses temptation, highlighting that God tests our faith not to lead us into sin but to strengthen us: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

3. Suffering and Loss: Job's story exemplifies how suffering can test and ultimately fortify faith. Job 1:21 captures his resilience: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

4. Doubt and Spiritual Dryness: Psalms often reflect periods of spiritual dryness, where the psalmists cry out for God's presence, as in Psalm 42:1-2: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

5. Addiction and Negative Behavior Patterns: Addiction and habitual sin present significant challenges, often trapping individuals in cycles of guilt and shame. Romans 7:18-19 describes this struggle: "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." Overcoming such trials requires reliance on God's grace and strength, as well as seeking accountability and support within the Christian community.

Each type of trial challenges us to rely more deeply on God, shaping us into more resilient and faithful followers of Christ.

Embracing the Forge & Becoming God's Weapon

The process of spiritual forging is akin to the forging of a sword, where the metal must endure heat and pressure to become strong and useful. Similarly, Christians are refined through trials, becoming more effective instruments in God's hands. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

If you were to take a raw, unrefined piece of steel and sharpen it into a blade without first forging it, the blade would break at the first sign of stress in battle. Similarly, as believers, if we are not strengthened and refined through the challenges and adversities we face, we will falter when confronted with life's spiritual battles. This refining process prepares us for trials and tribulations, equipping us to stand firm in faith and to be vessels of God's work on earth. As Ephesians 6:10-11 advises, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Conclusion

In our Christian walk, it is inevitable that we will encounter both hills and valleys. Hills provide moments of clarity and assurance, while valleys challenge us to deepen our faith and trust in God's unfailing presence and purpose. By embracing both the blessings and trials, we can grow in spiritual maturity, becoming resilient and effective in our Christian walk. The valleys are not indicators of God's absence but are opportunities for deeper communion with Him, as He molds and shapes us into vessels for His glory.

Have you felt the absence of God in your life? Are you wandering in a valley wondering where God is? If so, pray this prayer:

Father, I thank you that you are ever-present in my life. I realize now that the only distance between you and me is the distance of my own perception. I want to trust you in this valley I am walking through. Help me with your Holy Spirit to trust that you are near and that you are fighting my battles for me. Help me to be strengthened by your discipline and forge me into a weapon to be used by you. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen!

Bibliography

1. The Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan, 2011. (Psalm 23, Philippians 4, Ephesians 4:18, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:17, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 5:3-4, Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:12-13, Job 1:21, Psalm 42:1-2, James 1:2-4, Ephesians 6:10-11, Romans 7:18-19)

2. Keller, Timothy. Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. Penguin Books, 2013.

3. Lewis, C.S. The Problem of Pain. HarperOne, 2001.

4. Piper, John. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Multnomah, 2011.

5. Tozer, A.W. The Pursuit of God. Moody Publishers, 2015.

Scriptural References

1. Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

2. Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

3. Matthew 28:20 - "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

4. Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

5. Psalm 139:7-10 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

6. Job 23:8-10 - "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."

7. Psalm 34:18 - "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

8. Psalm 1:1-2 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night."

9. Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

10. Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

11. James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

12. Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

13. Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

14. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

15. 1 Peter 4:12-16 - "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. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

16. Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

17. Hebrews 12:6 - "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."

18. Romans 8:31-39 - A passage detailing that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

19. 2 Timothy 3:12 - "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

20. James 1:12-13 - "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone."

21. Job 1:21 - "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

22. Psalm 42:1-2 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

23. Romans 7:18-19 - "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."

24. James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

25. Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."