In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me.
Psalm 120:1 (HCSB)
Series Focus: “Rising From the Valley”
Whether we crawl, walk, stumble, or run through our valleys, one thing is certain: God is always with us. Always. This series, “Rising from the Valley,” has been an enriching walk through the book of Psalms. Learning more and more about God’s faithfulness, love, and undeniable presence strengthens our faith and builds our trust in Him. A God who remains with us on the mountain top and in the valley created us. It is we who forget He is our deliverer when our focus rests upon our situation instead of our Savior.
Our thoughts and emotions try to imprison us in those valleys. Often, we relinquish too much power to them. With no end in sight, no clear path out, we become paralyzed or run in circles. Seeking, searching, and pursuing all the feasible solutions leaves us out of breath, depleted. God provides so many answers in His word. We don’t have to be slaves to our run-a-way thoughts, emotions, or circumstances.
Scripture instructs us to take every thought captive. I’ve often wondered how. I’m not so great at following the instructions in most manuals—including the Bible (at times). My worst valleys have often begun with a thought or an emotion left unleashed. Let’s look to our Creator, our Savior, our King and receive the ability to conquer those valley moments. He has an unending supply of all we need.
Psalm 121 provides a beautiful recipe to battle our valley experiences:
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever. (HCSB)
Our first step is to look up toward Heaven. Our help is there! Throughout this psalm, you read the word “protect” over and over. Our God protects us, and when it is time to rise, He is always with us. Is it time for you to rise? Have you spent time earnestly seeking the face of your Savior? Are you ready to take every thought captive and trust the truth of His word? Take one step, you may stumble, but the Lord will be there to set you upon solid ground. In closing this series, here are some scriptures to remember from the past weeks of studying together. Hold tight to the truth. Your valley will not destroy you, because your God is there to fight for you.
But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance. (Psalm 13:5)
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. (Psalm 23:1)
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? (Psalm 27:1)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. (Psalm 28:7)
I will exalt You, Lord, because You have lifted me up and have not allowed my enemies to triumph over me. (Psalm 30:1)
You hide them in the protection of Your presence; You conceal them in a shelter from the schemes of men, from quarrelsome tongues. (Psalm 31:20)
The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8)
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. (Psalm 57:2)
My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. (Psalm 63:3) (All scriptures use the HCSB translation)
Cling to these scriptures. Write them on your heart! Together, we will rise from the valley—Victorious!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Psalm 121; 13, 23, 27, 28, 30, 31, 42, 51, 63; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 8:37; Hebrews 13:5b