“But I will sing of your power; yes, I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning; for you have been my defence
and refuge in the day of my trouble.” - Psalm 59:16
Pastor Mario’s sermon on shifting our focus away from our circumstances and trusting God was a good & timely
reminder. We all need this reminder especially when we are in the valley. I recently heard a preacher put ‘the
valley’ into perspective when he said that we seem to forget that a valley only exists because there is a
mountaintop on either side. As much as we feel frustrated, anxious and worried in those seasons, we can also be
hopeful that there is a mountaintop- and that we are going to get through it. The victory will be so much sweeter
because you chose to see beyond the valley.
To get through the valley well,we need to be able to recognise when we are in the valley and where our minds go.
When I am struggling, I not only get negative and angry, but I tend to look back with contempt focusing on all
instances when things have not gone my way; the disappointments, the people who have betrayed me and caused
me hurt and pain. And the downward spiral goes on and on, only to find myself in a dark place struggling to see any
kind of hope. Big alarm bells now start to go off when negativity seems to be all that I see.
Thank God we have FAITH in a God who is real, able, and strong. He can handle all my doubts and fears and help
me SEE beyond the darkness. It’s a real battle but I now work on intentionally looking back and reminding myself of
when God has come through for me. When He has come to my rescue. When he has healed me. When he has
shown me, I am not alone. When He has blessed me beyond measure when I thought I least deserved it. When He
has forgiven me when I am not worthy of being forgiven. My friends, let us look back and sing at the top of our
voices declaring His power, His mercy that’s new every morning because He has never failed you and WILL NOT fail
you now.
We have a big God. He is the creator of this magnificent universe. Let’s not limit what He can do. The valley is an
opportunity for God to reveal himself to you. Lets not waste this season keeping ourselves distracted when he is
trying to get your attention. Your heart, your character and your soul is at stake.
Father God, thank you for your patience with me when I have doubted your greatness. I ask for your forgiveness
when I have placed more faith in the hopelessness of my circumstances, people, and the internet than you. You
are the truth, the way, and the life. I place my trust in you today. In Jesus Name.
Amen.
By Christabel Joy Seneviratne