Encouragement

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THANK GOD FOR THE VALLEYS

Every day I think of how wonderful God is. He has made the mountains and the valleys both but do we ever consider where we are? We always want to be on the mountain top and things are great there but sometimes we face many valleys along the way.

We have no explanations for our friends and loved ones who need healing, or the ones who are in accidents and many other situations but we do know—we serve a wonderful God!! His ways are not ours and we may never understand, but we always want to serve Him no matter what!

Praise goes a long distance and helps us rise from the valley to the mountain top. There is an author who wrote “The Bumps Are What You Climb On”. I have read and re-read that book because I believe there is power in praise!!

Many have faced valleys too large that they felt they couldn’t possibly go through and yet on the other side, there was the mountain and God’s hand! I bet we can all think of many valleys in our lives that we have gone through and some we have muddled through and come out victorious!

God is all powerful, all seeing, all knowing, awesome, amazing and wonderful!! I remember a song also that said==thank you for the valley I walked through today, the darker the valley, the more I learned to pray, I found You were the lily blooming by the way, so I thank you for the valley, I walked through today. God is working in our lives to help us learn to praise!

Twila Paris sings about trusting God in a wonderful medley of songs. Trust comes with victory! To be victorious, praise must be a part of our every day life even in small things. I remember someone that complained constantly and eventually changed because you can’t grumble and complain without realizing you are wasting your time! There is a reminder in every day life that comes about when you praise and it is something that will make you smile!

Does the valley seem uncrossable, insurmountable? Does it look dark, dingy and cold? Is there evidence of discouragement and disbelief? The enemy is working overtime seeking to devour us with his torture and we must believe and hang onto God in those times when we think we can’t go on! The valleys will lead us to the mountain top! Are you unsatisfied with your life? Do you ask for more and more material things and $$$$? God wants us to be happy with what He has given us and with a thankful heart, things change!!

I sure wish I knew from past experiences why God allows things to occur but God allows us to walk through those valleys to build our faith in Him and praise Him in ALL things. What is your valley? Is it sickness, do you need a healing? Is it financial – you think there is never enough money to go around? Examine how you are living and you will probably find you can make do with much less! Is your car always dying beside the road?

Perhaps your valley is the burden of caring for a loved one, you need a break. It could also be an emotional burden. If you are a caring person you find there are many needs and you find yourself praying constantly. I have a habit of praying for those I see in accidents beside the road when I see it immediately and for those families.

No matter what we say—those valleys are very hard to get through if we struggle on our own so we need to let it go to God and then we find His guidance and love. No change? Be patient!!!! God will work it out in His time!

Is your valley muddy, swampy, deeply wounded and hurting? Is there something you can’t let go of, work through or understand? Let go of it and let God bear your burdens for He alone is the one who cares for you and I!

When we begin to climb out of the valley with God’s help, we find peace, happiness and much joy! We see the mountain ahead of us and know that it can be accomplished! Joy unspeakable and love is what God has for us, accept it and believe! So put on that garment of praise and keep it on until your life becomes a praise to God! No matter what your situation is today, remember God loves you and so do I.

Love Cathy

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