Rains and Valleys, how to survive the unlivable.
Matthew 5:45 ‘…It rains on the just and the unjust alike.’ – This is one of those statements in the Bible that just doesn’t make sense to me? Elsewhere in the same book, we are told that God is good, His plan for us is good, and what the Devil intends for bad – God means for good. So, Matthew 5:45 just feels a little off in its promise of rain. Rain, although some days feels good, is more often frigid – chilling our body, ruining our plans and ushering in gray skies with a mood to match. These are the rains that make me think these words just shouldn’t be in the same book as all those other feel good promises. Why should the just have to be rained on? Shouldn’t living for God possess the reward of an easier life then those that choose not to? It should feel as good as those full rain drops on that hot summer day, the kind that make you spread your arms and dance as it pours down on your skin…Sure, in our mind, that is how it should be, but that’s misaligned with His word.
False Reality
It’s a false reality that smacks us square in the nose when we find ourselves walking through those frigid rains with gray skies experiencing one of the deep valleys of life declaring to God, ‘We’re living for you, seeking after you – so why are we here? Why the pain, why the heartache, why THIS?’ The Bible however, is the infallible word of God, that being said Matthew 5:45 is there sitting purposefully whether we want it or not, so rather than attempting to change what is unchangeable we must go to Him seeking understanding and asking for guidance in how to live what at times feels so unlivable.
It is in those unlivable moments when the just are rained on that we experience being the clay in the Potter’s hand as we are weakened feeling discomfort as He molds us, shifts us, and changes us.
Rains and valleys are hard, they place us in circumstances that obstruct our view making us feel as though there is no way out. Some are arduous and in moments, painful to walk (sometimes LONG moments) – but holding on, enduring – pressing on and remaining faithful leads us to a place that possesses a view of God or an experience with Him that makes it all worthwhile as He alone leads us to a place where we are warmed with His Spirit, covered by His wing and elevated to a higher place in our relationship with Him. This place, although it doesn’t feel like it initially, is one worth every moment of anguish, tears shed, or sleep lost as it can never be experienced if we choose to cower from the rains, or sit hopeless in the valley.
Promise
Psalms 121:1-3 says,
‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.’
Encouragement
Today, if you find yourself struggling, maybe, with depression, in a marriage hanging by a thread, a prodigal child, or experiencing a valley of uncertainty – turn Psalm 121:1-3 into a prayer declaring the promise that therein lies as you lift up your eyes in confidence knowing your help is on the way. In fact, His infallible word declares that all we have to do is speak the name of Jesus, and he is there – The God of the Universe, at your side, holding your hand, the One in whose name is spoken and every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess…that’s the One that will not allow your foot to be moved as He stands watch over you in refusal to rest. All of that however, lies contingent on a decision to be made – a choice left for us, do we trust Him? Or – do we not? Join with me today – Choose Him.
To read more about the painful parts of life and finding the hope of Jesus Christ, check out the following:
3 Steps to hope in the hopeless
God is prepared even when we are not
5 ways to add Jesus to your day
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