It is easy to say, “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!” when times are good. It is easy to believe that God loves you when you are on the mountain top enjoying the sunshine. But what happens when you are down in the dark valley surrounded by your enemies?
Perhaps today, you are in the valley of marital, financial or bodily trouble, and you are asking, “Where is God?”
My friend, He is right there with you. The God of the valleys says to you, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
When King Jehoshaphat was surrounded and outnumbered by his enemies, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he said to the king, “Don’t be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you. Don’t fear or be dismayed. Tomorrow, go out against them for the Lord is with you” (2 Chronicles 20:14–17).
What King Jehoshaphat did next was brilliant. He acted with wisdom from on high. Instead of putting his commandos in front, he put worshipers in front! What did the worshipers sing? They sang of God’s love for them—“Praise the Lord for His love endures forever!” And God utterly destroyed their enemies (see 2 Chronicles 20:21–23, NIV)!
Beloved, it is not the trials that make us strong, but our responses in those trials. The devil wants us to respond by asking, “Where is God?” But God wants us to respond with faith in His love for us. We are more than conquerors not because of our love for Him, but through Him who loves us (see Romans 8:37).
So whatever valley you are in today, don’t be afraid. God is there with you strengthening and upholding you. Just sing of His love for you and let Him fight your battles for you!
"I'M HERE TO TELL YOU" EDITOR'S NOTE
You see, it's the Spirit of the Lord that tells you and constantly reminds you that you are loved and under God's protection. He reminds you that the war is over and any remaining battles are not yours but for the Lord's to fight. He reminds you that He will take care of you, protect and provide for you. When Jesus went to heaven after His work here on earth was finished, He sent to His believers His own Holy Spirit to indwell each one of them. As He had promised, He did not leave us or abandon us, He gave us His Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God. There's three facets to God, One is the Father, One is the Son and One is the Spirit. The Spirit is for us to became the very family of God, His own children and a very part of the Godhead. When we listen to and allow God's Holy Spirit - which is in us, to guide us and to take care of us, we are truly living the Kingdom Come life. Living with the Holy Spirit while here on earth, this side of heaven, is really like heaven on earth. When you know how to live, that's by the Spirit - you're truly living. Today Pray to God and thank Him for sending Jesus. Pray to Jesus and thank Him for sending the Holy Spirit. And pray to the Holy Spirit and thank Him for His protection and provision and power in your life.
