The Mountain and the Valley
The mountain and the valley are common phrases heard among Christians that refer to the high and low points in life. There is not one set direction that you go in. You do not start life in the valley with the goal of getting to the mountain and that is where you stay forever. The goal is to meet God wherever you are on your journey. The mountain and the valley both come and go several times throughout a person’s life. How you react when you are at each is up to you.
The Behavior at The Mountain:
The mountain may look different for everybody. When I first heard of the mountain, I thought it was referring to being a celebrity or being rich. I thought that was the highest point in life that someone could be. I understand that is not the case now after reading Matthew 6:19-21.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
So, if the mountain is not being at the top of what the world sees, then what is it? I think of the mountain as the high point in your personal life where there is peace, no issues, and the goals you have set for yourself have been achieved.
When reaching the mountain, it is common to sigh with relief and maybe relax for a while. There are two behaviors that you must be careful with when reaching the mountain: Pride and complacency. You did not get yourself to the mountain. You worked hard, I am sure, but it is all God and all for His glory, not to only help yourself, but others. There is a warning in Isaiah 10:15-16 and in Zephaniah 1:12.
15 Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it? As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish the one who is not wood! 16 Therefore, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors; under his pomp a fire will be kindled like a blazing flame.
Isaiah 10:15-16
12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad.’
Zephaniah 1:12
The Behavior at The Valley:
The valley is the lowest point in your life. The times when all you can see is the mountain and want to already be at the top of it. There are struggles, anger, and possibly fear. The valley is where you grow your relationship with God, so you will not move away from Him when you get to the mountain, because you will get there.
Two behaviors to be aware of while you are in the valley: Fear and complacency. Complacency does occur in both the mountain and the valley, for the same reason listed in Zephaniah 1:12. The people on the mountain think that God will not bring them low again and the people in the valley only see the darkness and think that God cannot reach them there. God has no limits to where He can reach. Do not stay in the valley out of complacency. God can do all things. Fear will keep you there. God warns us in Isaiah 7:9.
“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”
Isaiah 7:9
Neither Last Forever
The mountain and the valley both flow throughout our lives. We cannot hold our positions in either. God positions us to either grow in our relationship with Him or to help the people He loves. Pray and ask God why He placed you where are you, and He may show you. These moments are only that, moments. Find the blessings where you are today.
As always, He loves you, I love you, and I am praying for you!
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