Ups and downs, peaks and valleys. Season-cycles of want and plenty, ease and trial, celebration and mourning. The pulse of life...the pulse of faith. Life is full of rough river crossings and the valleys can feel void of God. But, here are two verses of encouragement for you today. Sweet words dripping love, straight from the very heart of God.
But the land you are crossing the Jordanto take possession of is a land ofmountains and valleysthat drinks rain from heaven.[Dt 11:11]
We should expect mountains and valleys. Though a land of promise, the landscape is not unchanging. With plains and plateaus, cliffs and coves, it is all God-watered. He provides for us in every terrain. The earth "drinks rain from heaven." It soaks up God-sent, sustaining water. By God's strength, and in obedience to His commands, we are to own both wholeheartedly.
It is a land the LORD your God cares for;the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on itfrom the beginning of the year to its end.[Dt 11:12]
I consider this the most reassuring verse of the two. The Lord's hand covers the land. He watches. Year round -- no matter the season. Beginning to end. He sees. He sees and He cares. God moves with the pulse of your life. He has delivered and He sustains.
When life resembles a ride through the Rockies, may your faith, powered by the Spirit, climb up to meet the mountain and hold steady in every valley; knowing our unchanging God travels the landscape with you. Receive this word, originally given to the Israelites, as a lens to view God's relationship with His beloved children. And may your courage be refreshed by heaven's showers of grace.
Loving Father; You rain down grace through all our ups and downs. Keep the pulse of our faith steady and strong to match the demands of life. In Christ I pray, Amen.
"I have told you these things,
so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."
Jesus of Nazareth





























