Friday, December 3, 2021
Greetings, Dear Friends ~
Now that we are well into this year’s season of Advent, I want to shift our focus. The previous three blog posts focused specifically on the mountain. The truth of the matter is that while we might love to remain on the mountain—enjoying the beauty, splendor, view, peace, and overall experience—we, unfortunately, must come down. Not the law of gravity, necessarily, but the law of life!
The mountain is necessary, though, to be able to navigate and manage the valley. It is during mountaintop experiences that Moses had his encounters with God! What amazing (and magnanimous!) encounters! The God of the Universe gave Moses His laws—instructions for living life successfully! We know the Bible tells us that Moses was different after He met with God. How could he be otherwise? Exodus 34:29-30 records this experience:
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai carrying the two Tables of The Testimony, he didn’t know that the skin of his face glowed because he had been speaking with God. Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, saw his radiant face, and held back, afraid to get close to him” (MSG).
The valley called. Moses descended the mountain. The people saw him and were afraid because they did not understand. Whenever we return to the valley, regardless of how wonderful our mountaintop experiences with God are, there are bound to be people that do not understand us. They might think us strange or different. We know we have spent time with God. I believe that sometimes, especially as we get closer to God, we are bound to be misunderstood. Yet, God has given us the mountain to help us live in the valley with people!
This year, for me, has been filled with peaks and valleys, highs and lows. These extremes—and everything in between—dwell together. They coexist. What has your experience been this year? Think about it. What have been the experiences you have had this year that have taken your breath away? In contrast, what has happened that has taken every ounce of energy you have had to endure (and choose to remain on your Christian journey!)?
Some things have not made sense or were unexpected tragedies; others were very special and beautiful surprises! Yet, in life, we embrace them all—every experience. We see them, live them, are shaped by them (good or bad), and prayerfully allow the Holy Spirit to teach us valuable lessons.
Regardless of gains and losses, advances and setbacks, good and bad, laughter and tears, bitter and sweet, and good and evil in the world, GOD ALWAYS IS. The lessons in the valley, as we go through them, enable us to grow. They teach us that God is present through them all, and God’s people will study what we have learned from (and through) our mountains and valleys.
May the God of our hearts be with us during Advent as we remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. And please remember that this world is definitely a much better place because you are in it.
Until next time, My Friend,
Selah