How can we trust God's presence in both "hills" and "valleys" of life? Key Verse “Then the man of God approached and said to the king of Israel, ‘This is what the LORD says: Because the Arameans have said, “The LORD is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys,” I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” (1 Kings 20:28) Context Snapshot • The Arameans believed deities were confined to certain terrains. • God counters that false notion by proving His sovereignty in both the “high ground” and the “low ground.” • The victory He promises is meant to reveal His unchanging identity: “you will know that I am the LORD.” Truths to Anchor Our Trust • God’s nature is unconfined – Psalm 139:7-10 shows His presence everywhere. • His promises are unconditional – Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5—He will never leave nor forsake. • His record is flawless – From Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 14) to empty tomb (Matthew 28), He consistently shows up in both triumph and trial. • His love is inseparable – Romans 8:38-39—no created thing, including our circumstances, can cut us off from Him. Living It Out on the Hills • Celebrate humbly: recognize victories as God-given, not self-made (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Redirect praise upward: tell the story of what He has done so others “will know that I am the LORD.” • Store memories: journal milestones to reread when valleys come (Joshua 4:6-7). Living It Out in the Valleys • Recall His past faithfulness: rehearse hilltop testimonies. • Lean into His Word: Psalm 23:4 reminds us, “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.” • Seek His people: God often shows up through the encouragement of the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 7:6). • Keep moving forward: valleys are pathways, not dead ends—Psalm 84:5-7. Supporting Snapshots • Hills: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2) • Valleys: “The LORD restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.” (Psalm 23:3) Final Encouragement Whether you are standing on the summit of success or trudging through a shadowed ravine, the same God reigns. He fought for Israel on the hills and in the valleys, and He stands ready to prove anew—right where you are—that He is the LORD. |
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