Post #12: Encouragement in Valley

 

When all I see is the battle, You see my victory

When all I see is the mountain, You see a mountain moved

And as I walk through the shadow, Your love surrounds me

There's nothing to fear now for I am safe with You

 

… So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees

With my hands lifted high

Oh God, the battle belongs to You

And every fear I lay at Your feet

I'll sing through the night

Oh God, the battle belongs to You

 

And if You are for me, who can be against me?

For Jesus, there's nothing impossible for You

When all I see are the ashes, You see the beauty

Thank You, God

When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb

 

Almighty fortress, You go before us

Nothing can stand against the power of our God

You shine in the shadow, You win every battle

Nothing can stand against the power of our God

-Lyrics by Phil Whickham and Brian Johnson

This song has been going through my head a lot over the last several weeks. It has been a welcome and soothing part of my mornings and prayer time as I attempt to lay aside my fears, doubts, concerns and struggles, and trust in God’s providence and protection over my life.

It’s been a challenging few months of my life, working through some difficult things to process. But God has been good. My family has been amazing. And many close friends continue to surround me in prayer. My heavenly Father has been working in me and I can see areas in which I am growing. As much as I don’t like having to go through things that are uneasy, it’s through trials and suffering that we grow.

Romans 5:3-5: "...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope".

James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance"

And so, below I have taken a few lines from the above song and added some thoughts and scripture references to help us ponder. This song was born right out of scripture, as you’ll see below. I hope it’s an encouragement to you in whatever you may be going through.

In Love.

 

When all I see is the battle, you see my victory

The story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles has always been one of my favorite stories. In short, there was a time when several groups surrounding the Israelites were planning a massive attack. The King knew he had to go and fight or face certain destruction of all of God’s people. However, he also knew that he was vastly outnumbered. As they were preparing to go, God gave someone a prophetic word stating that there was no need to be afraid – God would go before and fight the battle for them. How tough must it have been to believe such a claim when the evidence clearly showed that this vast enemy was about to overtake them? But God told them to stand still and watch the salvation of the Lord. So, when they arrived at the valley, the enemy armies had been ambushed and then turned on themselves. They were completely destroyed.

Have there been times in your life when you were facing something that you didn’t understand, couldn’t control, and/or get through it without help? Whether it be a big or small problem, I think most of us, at times, can feel inadequate or helpless to solve or even get through certain difficulties that life can throw at us. This story is a great reminder that God is working for your good (Romans 8:28), even when we don’t see the how or why.

2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV): ...Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

2 Chronicles 20:17: You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord...

1 Samuel 17:47: ...for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands (David to Goliath).

Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

 

When all I see is the mountain, you see a mountain moved

Matthew 17:20, [Jesus] told them, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.

Jesus words here were not meant to be discouraging – to tell you you’re doing this wrong. If you’re like me, you might be thinking, well, I haven’t moved a literal mountain lately, and therefore must not have any faith. But I think that misses the point. Very often, Jesus spoke in parables and metaphors. This is no different. What He’s trying to communicate is that even a small amount of faith can have massive impacts. If our focus is on eternal, unseen things (2 Corinthians 4:18), we position ourselves to be a part of making a difference for God’s Kingdom. How often do I get sucked into my present circumstances, or trying to make things better and more comfortable for me in the here and now. Jesus wants our focus on Him. So, when you see mountains in your way, turn your eyes to Him. He will guide you and help you grow through the journey.

 

And as I walk through the shadow, your love surrounds me

Psalm 23: 4,6: Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me. Surely goodness and steadfast love will follow me all the days of my life.

There is no greater manifestation of God’s love for us than what He did on the cross. The power of that sacrifice cannot be understated. When you have moments or days when you question God’s love, and don’t see how He could possibly be for you, remember the cross. He did that just because He loves you. In this life we may never see the whole picture. But even if we don’t feel it, we can know that God loves us. His love surrounds you. It is your shield from all darkness and evil that tries to attack. Rest in that.

 

 There's nothing to fear now for I am safe with You

Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Over and over we are reminded not to fear. When Jesus spoke these words in John 14, I can imagine His disciples felt a lot of fear. Soon after these words, He would be arrested, killed, and the disciples were scattered. What they thought they knew, and what they had dedicated everything to, was taken away (seemingly). He knew that fear would lead to despair. Hence His words to not to let your heart be troubled. Listen closely to what he says: “don’t let your heart be troubled…” In other words, we must pay careful attention to catch ourselves when we start to go down a path of discouragement and despair. I’ve been there many times. And it’s never helpful. Jesus is reminding us to focus on His peace and be cautious to take care of your heart. A troubled heart is debilitating. It never leads to anything productive or beautiful or creative or life-giving.

 

And if You are for me, who can be against me?

Romans 8:31: …If God is for us, who can be against us?

For Jesus, there's nothing impossible for You

John 1:37: For with God nothing will be impossible.

 

Take some time to mediate on these verses and rest. Breathe, be still, and listen to God’s Spirit speaking over your life.

He is life and truth.