In the Bible, there are many mentions of mountains and valleys. Mountains are huge areas of earth that appear much higher than the surrounding land in an area. Valleys are low lying areas of land usually between mountains. The contrast between the two are significant and drastic. And you cannot have one without the other.
The references made about mountains and valleys in the Bible often relate to the highs and lows of life. The mountains corelate directly to the highs of life like our accomplishments, celebrations, the times in life when everything is good and life is going as you planned. And the valleys represent the tougher times like sickness, experiencing losses, sadness and all the times that we have to start over in life. Life seems much easier when you are on the mountain tops.
We all experience these ups and downs, this is the natural flow of life. There are lessons learned in both, the mountains and the valleys. And again you cannot have one without the other. Could you ever really appreciate the highs of life if you have never been down or felt low? Could you ever really feel encouraged in a valley, if you have never come out of one before?
Whatever you do, don't get stuck in the valley. When you are in a valley you may feel like you are all alone, no one understands or that you are the only one going through a tough situation. But you have to remember that we all have those moments. These are the seasons of life.
Definitely, don't let the enemy convince you that the valley is your home. Remember that there is a mountain on either side of the valley. That you are never alone because God is always with you. And that the valleys are only temporary. So if you ever feel stuck in the valley, look up and remember this verse:
Psalm 121:1-8 1I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? 2My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; 4indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5The LORD watches over you- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; 8the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
To me the valleys are the most important. They challenge your faith and forces you to put your faith in action. It gives you something to look forward to, the next mountain is never far away. They can drive you closer to God. And I believe that is where your growth takes place...in the valley with the Lord. Try to keep this in mind, if you can worship and praise your way through the valley, God will make your next mountain top that much sweeter. Keep the faith and never give up...God is right by your side.
Isaiah 54:10 10For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
Jonah 2:6 6I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
Isaiah 49:11 11And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.
Psalm 104:10 10He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.