In 2008, the American economy took a nosedive into a recession. Many lost jobs, experienced financial hardships, or saw their industries negatively impacted by the economic landscape. My husband's industry was one of those that took a pretty hard hit: real estate. Forde is a land broker, which, broadly speaking, means he helps clients buy and sell large tracts of land for development or investment. As you can imagine, not many people were wanting to purchase much of anything, especially large tracts of land during such uncertain times. Suffice it to say, 2008-2010 were pretty bleak days in the Britt household. Land deals that were set to close fell apart left and right. This meant Forde wasn't closing deals and didn't for 22 months. In a job that's 100% commission, that's 22 months without a paycheck. It was a painful season, and many times I downright hated being there, but the Lord sustained us, and richly blessed us in and through that season. This post below was originally written on November 28, 2009, in the midst of this very trying season of life. You could say we were on the valley floor...
“The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:5
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, our Life Group (small group bible study) took time to share some of the blessings we would be celebrating this Thanksgiving. Knowing we would be doing this, I took some time to reflect upon what I am thankful for this year.
In doing so, pictures of glorious mountains and deep, lush valleys flashed across my mind, in large part because the topography of our year has mirrored these images. Indeed, it has been a year of unrivaled mountaintop experiences and long, tiresome treks through gorges of trials. And yet, the Lord has shown me that both experiences provide reasons for much, much praise. Not only have I learned so much about the Lord’s heart, His church, myself, and my wonderful husband, but I have also come to see and appreciate the marriage between mountains and valleys in a whole new way.
In doing so, pictures of glorious mountains and deep, lush valleys flashed across my mind, in large part because the topography of our year has mirrored these images. Indeed, it has been a year of unrivaled mountaintop experiences and long, tiresome treks through gorges of trials. And yet, the Lord has shown me that both experiences provide reasons for much, much praise. Not only have I learned so much about the Lord’s heart, His church, myself, and my wonderful husband, but I have also come to see and appreciate the marriage between mountains and valleys in a whole new way.
Physically speaking, valleys are most commonly created by some form of moving water. When glacial ice gets to moving, a U-shaped valley like that found in Glacier National Park may be formed, while V-shaped valleys like that of the Black Canyon are formed by the erosive effects of a river’s flowing waters. In both cases, as the water or ice travels along, land recedes, little by little (or chunk by chunk), valleys are carved… and in the process, mountains emerge. We don’t have one without the other for mountains and valleys are uniquely bound in the creative genius of our God. He beautifully and wonderfully created the topography of the earth so that the floor of the valley gradually turns into the slopes of the mountain.
Consider for a moment that the same could be said of the relationship between life's valleys and mountains.
As the waters of life rage (and they inevitably do), God not only allows and creates the valley, but He also brings forth the highly treasured mountaintop as well. Sometimes you experience the valley floor alongside a mountaintop experience; sometimes they are very far removed from one another. But they are always intricately connected. Our appreciation and understanding of both are highlighted by the contrast of the other. You understand the grandeur and magnificence of the mountain most when standing in the valley and seeing, experiencing the mountain towering over you. And only when standing at it the peak of a mountain do you have the vantage point to more fully see and finally grasp the depth and scope of the valley’s breadth beauty. After all, in nature as well as in life, it is the valley below that punctuates the lauded mountaintop views.
As the waters of life rage (and they inevitably do), God not only allows and creates the valley, but He also brings forth the highly treasured mountaintop as well. Sometimes you experience the valley floor alongside a mountaintop experience; sometimes they are very far removed from one another. But they are always intricately connected. Our appreciation and understanding of both are highlighted by the contrast of the other. You understand the grandeur and magnificence of the mountain most when standing in the valley and seeing, experiencing the mountain towering over you. And only when standing at it the peak of a mountain do you have the vantage point to more fully see and finally grasp the depth and scope of the valley’s breadth beauty. After all, in nature as well as in life, it is the valley below that punctuates the lauded mountaintop views.
Plus, Psalm 23 reminds us of other reasons to thank the Lord for the valleys.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4
Green pastures are rarely found at the peak of a mountain as conditions usually aren't conducive for much growth. (Picture above the tree line...) Rather, it is near the valley floor where the environment is so much richer and more conducive to lush, green growth. Plants, flowers, trees, and all kinds of life can more easily flourish on the valley floor. This reality is also true of life's valleys: the conditions for growth are most abundant on the valley floor. There the Lord restores my soul...your soul.
Indeed, I have seen this to be true this year for it has been there at the deepest, lowest parts of our valleys, that the Lord has restored my soul and brought me a new understanding of Christ as my Shepherd. Furthermore, even though God has led us along ways unknown to us (as is also promised in his word – Isaiah 42:16), He has led us. Because He has been our guide, I can trust that these unfamiliar paths are paths of righteousness, and the rough places along these paths will one day be made smooth.
Indeed, I have seen this to be true this year for it has been there at the deepest, lowest parts of our valleys, that the Lord has restored my soul and brought me a new understanding of Christ as my Shepherd. Furthermore, even though God has led us along ways unknown to us (as is also promised in his word – Isaiah 42:16), He has led us. Because He has been our guide, I can trust that these unfamiliar paths are paths of righteousness, and the rough places along these paths will one day be made smooth.
Though I have often failed to remember the Lord’s faithfulness over the past year, the rocks cry out... as they have always done (Luke 19:40). I have learned and now know that when God creates a valley, He simultaneously creates a mountain. And I have seen the Lord live up to His promises and prove Himself to be who He says He is. From the valley floor, Christ has given me new eyes to look up and see the grandeur and majesty of our Shepherd and Guide who has been leading us all along, even to that valley floor. And because of Him, I can give thanks from the bottom of my heart when the waters of life are raging for I know God is at work and God is always, always good.
Wherever you may find yourself this day or the next, this season or the next, remember that when the Living Water moves, His glory, sovereignty, and faithfulness are exposed in the valleys and mountains He creates in the landscape of your life. Pray for eyes to see and a heart to trust. Remember, the waters are His and His hands have formed the topography of our world, our hearts, our lives, and our experiences.
Listen as the rocks cry out.
In doing so, may we then delight and give thanks for how intricately the Lord weaves together the valleys and mountains of our lives. May this knowledge help us patiently hope for how the Lord is working all things for good in the topography of our lives turning the floor of our valleys into the slopes of our mountains. May it also help us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus trusting Him relentlessly during time spent in the lush grounds of our valleys – growing.
Thankful,
Jessica
