Valleys of discouragement vs. pastures of hope.

As a seasoned Christian I have had many seasons of mountain top experiences and have had my fair share of dark valleys.

It’s a spiritual journey. A spiritual journey is the natural progression of a person as they grow in the understanding of God, the world and him/her self.

Everyone starts a spiritual journey as a child, naive and still influenced by the flesh. We are in need of basic education of God and our position with God. We learn how to act and how to relate to the world.

Above anything, we must understand as a Christian that it is a journey. It’s a life-long process involving our attention and God’s work in us.

We have to take the bad, and the good on this journey.

We shouldn’t be surprised when we find ourselves in discouraging trials. God designed these trials to see how grounded in our faith we are. Will we depend on our own resources to climb out of despair, or will we look to God and follow His lead to higher waters?

These pastures of hope that are ahead encourage us to press on, fight the good fight. Believe above all else that God is near.

We can expect discouragement, but we can have joy in the hope that is to come!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”