The Next Level:
In the days of my youth, I use to love travelling by foot.
Our family didn’t have a vehicle, so unless we were able to use public transport, or hitch a ride with friends, walking from A to B was our only option.
In addition, one of my spare-time activities was taking long walks in the country.
For me, it was nothing to walk between eight and twelve miles a day.
Sure-enough, I can recall many moments when my walk would often begin in a long valley that usually contained a river or stream – with a path that would eventually lead me up the side of a mountain.
Many times, I would reach the brow of the mountain, just to discover that right ahead, there was still another mountain to climb!
The only problem though, was another valley in between!!
Ever been there?
Oh-boy!
Going to the next level is never easy!
For many, this is a picture of life.
In The Message Bible, Eugene Peterson beautifully paraphrases part of Psalm 84 like this:-
And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; they wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-travelled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn – Zion!1.
Friends, these are often the situations which strengthen our lives – those “in the valley” times, not those on lofty mountain top feelings.
No matter how difficult we might feel things are at times, it will soon become apparent that it’s during those times of unrest and uncertainty that our faith grows the most.
Life’s journey may lead us through times of tremendous blessing – but it could also lead us through times of disappointments, dashed hopes and broken dreams.
Yet, we often find that it’s in those valley times that God the Holy Spirit speaks kindly to us.
It’s then that we are able to go from strength to strength – mountain to mountain – increasing in victorious power.
It is in our weakness that God can fill us with His strength.2.
Without any doubt, God’s strength comes into its own.
In light of this, let’s take another look at the Bible verses for this week.
The Gods Word Translation puts it like this:-
“Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road that leads to you. As they pass through a valley where balsam trees grow, they make it a place of SPRINGS. The early RAINS cover it with BLESSINGS. Their strength grows as they go along – until each one of them appears in front of God in Zion.”
For-sure, many of us may have journeyed through that valley of disappointments, dashed hopes and broken dreams.
In fact, you may be there right now – and no other person can fully appreciate what you’re going through.
But know this, true to God’s word, He’ll let you catch your breath and send you in the right direction.3.
Yes, that’s right! Even when the path goes through a lonesome valley, you need not be afraid – for He walks at your side.
The next level is ahead.
What a comfort!
The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.4.
What a blessing!
Amen? Amen!
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
5 You bless all who depend on you for their strength and all who deeply desire to visit your temple. 6 When they reach Dry Valley, Dry Valley: Or “Balsam Tree Valley”. The exact location is not known. springs start flowing, and the autumn rain fills it with pools of water. and...water: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text. 7 Your people grow stronger, and you, the God of gods, will be seen in Zion.
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English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
9 But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly boast about how weak I am.
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English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod shepherd's rod: The Hebrew text mentions two objects carried by the shepherd: a club to defend against wild animals and a long pole to guide and control the sheep. makes me feel safe.
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English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
5 Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate.
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