My title for this devotion is Highs vs Lows.
I’ve been there. So have you. We’ve all been high. We’ve all been low. We’ve all been to the mountain top. We’ve all been to the valley. Sometimes in close succession. I’ve known what it is to complete a task, relish a victory, enjoy a feeling of euphoria, only to have that followed by a giant crash.
Sort of like Elijah. His story in I Kings 18-19 shows the highs and lows that often come to one who is faithful and obedient to God, especially when the “odds are stacked against you.” In chapter 17 Elijah comes on the scene with a prophecy of a drought and his time with the widow. But his biggest challenge was in chapter 18 where he challenged the prophets of Baal. After that victory and the rain falling which broke the drought, Jezebel threatens Elijah with death. Elijah runs and then proceeds to have a pity party about being the only one left. He wants to die. An angel wakes him and tells him to eat. Again the same. Then God speaks. But He wasn’t in the strong wind. He wasn’t in the earthquake. He wasn’t in the fire. He was, however, in the whisper.
The point for this devotion is not in how God speaks. It is actually two-fold;
- Elijah went from the thrill of victory (Mt. Carmel) to the agony of defeat (Jezebel and fear) in a heartbeat.
- God will “speak” to us on the mountain top and in the valley. He may appear silent but He’s not. He may choose the silence and despair of the valley to “speak” His loudest.
Don’t despair if you find yourself on the mountain top one minute and the valley the next. More often than not a valley follows a mountain top experience. Listen for God’s “voice.” Sometimes that is when He speaks the loudest.
“Father, I know there will be highs and lows. Help me to never get too high or too low so as not to hear your voice. Please keep me receptive to you no matter where I’m at.”
I, too, prayed your prayer. Thanks, Bill!
You’re welcome Diane. Glad to see you back.
Mountain tops and deep valleys are a part of life. A part of the journey. Both come and both require me to depend on God. In different ways and in different circumstances. For me, mountain tops display the Supreme Grandeur of God, while often the valleys help to point out my complete dependence and need for Him. Both have their place and both require me to open my heart, my eyes, my ears to see and hear and experience the overwhelming power, love, and grace He has for me. God is Good both on the peak and in the deep valleys.
Thanks for the reminder this morning!
you are right Ryan. They are a part of life. it is knowing God is in both of them that is important. Good to hear from you. Hope your trip is either good or was good.
Indeed, God speaks to us, no matter where we find ourselves, Bill. We just have to listen.
Blessings!
I agree Martha. It is essential we keep listening. Thanks for the comment.
Ah, the rollercoaster of life…
None of us are immune, Christ told us it would be so, but He also gave us the answer; Him…