Valleys and Peaks

 

You may remember the TV show, “Hee Haw” and on one of the shows, Doc Campbell is confronted by a patient who says he broke his arm in two places. Doc replies, “Well then, stay out of them places!” Sometimes, that is precisely the right approach to overcoming temptation. Other times, however, temptation seems to come looking for you.

Jesus, for example, was on a spiritual retreat! He had just been baptized by John in the Jordan River. The Holy Spirit then directed him into the wilderness where he would spend 40 days in prayer and fasting. You would think that a person on such a spiritual retreat would be impervious to temptation. Yet, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was tempted at three different times and in three different ways!

We should not be surprised, then, if temptation locates us and knocks at the door. We might even answer, but we should not let temptation in. We should remember who we are - children of God. We have a family name to honor and respect. We wouldn’t want God’s name sullied or disrespected. We should remember God’s word to us. This is found in the Bible. Reading the Bible every day helps us to remember God’s will for us. We should remember that we don’t really need what temptation offers us. Whatever it is, we have something better. Moreover, if we yield to the temptation, we are going to feel bad afterwards. Finally, we should remember that God will not allow us to be tempted above and beyond our ability to resist it. The stronger the temptation, the more powerful is God’s trust and belief in us. We can resist and overcome! – Timothy Merrill

[Psalm 23:4] “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” At the heart of Psalm 23 is this phrase with which we can all identify, either literally or spiritually. Many people have drawn and still draw comfort from this simple and plain message.

Some have driven through valleys; some have walked through valleys; and some have lived in valleys. Most of us have gone through times in life that could be described as valleys when the days seem dark, our friends seem few, and temptations seem to increase as we seek ways to comfort ourselves. As we think of the characteristics of a literal valley, let’s see them in light of the feelings and emotions we experience in the “down” times.

* In a valley, it can be very cold. Because of the blocking out of the sun’s rays by mountains and trees, valleys can be very cold places to be. Emotionally, in our time of discouragement, we may be cut off from the warmth of friendship and companionship. In such a time, the presence of God needs to be remembered (Hebrews 13:5). * In a valley, it is very difficult to stay focused on the big picture. As one enters a valley, our vision of the distance and far-off places is obscured. The dominant view is that of the valley. If we are not careful, we will think that all that is important and all that is going on in our life is that which troubles us. It is in such a time that we remember that there is a longer, upward way that goes through valleys, but leads to the father. * In a valley, fog is common. Temperature and moisture conditions can change quickly, and fog can roll in within minutes. The road and objects surrounding it can be obscured, leaving a traveler fearful and confused. Confusion is a byproduct of discouragement and fear. It is in such a time that the light of the Word of God must be used and trusted (Psalm 119:105).

Life is made up of peaks and valleys. A peak awaits us on the other side of a valley. It is the depth of a valley, and our reaction to it, that often make us appreciate the height of the peak. Don’t get stuck in a valley. Hold to God’s hand, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).