I know what I recall when I get answers to prayer either if God gives me a yes or puts my requests on hold. I understand Psalm 23 better. He is my shepherd and I don’t always need to know why.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalms 23:1 NKJV
Trust is what I have to show Him. He is my rock and fortress I can just rest in Him.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”
Psalms 23:2 NKJV
The best view is on the hilltop but He brings me a pillow and a drink of overflowing water in the valley and no one can harm me.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
I can be sssured He is near. My soul will not be forsaken. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; His strength is more than my weakness. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. I can see all the food He nourishes me with. All those I love can taste His goodness too. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. This is how I worship because His goodness is felt. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” “Take Me Home, “ I belong to Him.
I have spent a season in "the valley of the shadow of death" with my husband. He died three weeks ago, 3 months after his diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer. I thought about that phrase in Psalms 23 that I learned as a child many times in the last few months.
I prayed that God would walk with us through the illness and treatment. He did.
I prayed that my husband would be healed. He wasn't.
I prayed that God's people would support us with help on our farm and fellowship and prayers. They did, far beyond my hopes. They are still showing up continually.
I kept a record of blessings in my notebook where I also kept records of medical appointments, providers, a spreadsheet of medications and vital signs as I acted as caregiver.
Over and over, I have praised God in gratitude for carrying me through the last few months. I ask him to keep on holding me up as I face a new chapter in my life. Every time I pray that prayer, the answer is "I've got you."
I believe we live in a broken world, with many broken people who do broken things. Bad things happen. God is with us, always, in and through it all.
Down here in the valley there are blessings to be had and there is a mountain of joy God will put me back on top of one day. I can see it.
I watched the walk last night and went to sleep thinking about your question: where are you now, in the valley or on the mountain?
Today, before my devotional, I asked myself: what is it like to be in the valley for a follower of Christ?
The answer came to me through the scripture suggested by “YouVersion”, Psalms 147 – Incredible, how it connects with the reflections you brought.
This chapter comprises two themes:
1) Praise to God for his kindness towards all creatures and, in particular, for his kindness towards his people.
2) Fear the Lord, that is, have full conviction of God's power and his mercy. And ow how to wait for God's time, with hope in His loyal love.
Therefore, as much as the clouds seem gloomy and melancholy (valley), without them the rain doesn't happen, and without the rain we wouldn't have the fruits.
I understand that living in the valley for a while means learning, self-knowledge. It is a place where we are alone with God, broken, contrite and sensitive to the Word of God. It is in the valley that God reveals himself and shows us who we are, how we are and what we need to correct.
So, I try to praise God, of course there are those moments when I “question” and sometimes I even get angry and disappointed because I “am not at the top of the mountain”.
I ask God, whether I am in the valley or on the mountain, that I never stop contemplating His power, His love and that I can continue worshiping the Creator regardless of the circumstances.
“it is not the strength of the horse that gives him satisfaction, nor is it the agility of the man that pleases him; the Lord delights in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love” Psalm 147:10-11
What a great prayer walk. I’ve thought about these questions. Today in fact I felt God answered two prayers in which I’ve been praying for several months. So your question how do I react when God answered these prayers today? I shed a few happy tears and then I thanked Him through prayer and lastly, I turned on Spotify and sang a couple of songs of praise.
During the low times, I just try and continue to stay close to God by praying, reading and meditating on God’s Word. I also listen to worship and praise music. I try and always seek God first through the valleys and mountains to maintain the closeness to God. He always teaches me something in the valleys and also when I have that mountain view.
I truly believe it takes me seeking Him first always, and as I draw closer to Him through prayer and His Word, I get to experience the loving whispers of answered prayers or guidance of what I’m to learn. Either way, I believe and trust God to work all things out.
Around 20 minute mark you ask a very poignant question, "...what does that say about the request in the first place?" As you noted it is so very easy to just keep moving on to the next thing, one after another as our prayers are answered. So very easy to be disrespectful towards God, and all without thinking!
Valleys, mountain tops and the climb or fall in between is the journey of life. In my life I think I spend a lot of time in that in between state or maybe it would be considered moving quickly between highs and lows. I can pat myself on the back for thanking God quickly for prayers answered with yes. I recognize when and how He answers my prayers. The biggest weakness for me is the more He blesses me the more I ask. When listening to my communication with God I hear more petition than thanksgiving. It is an awareness that I work on daily in my nightly prayers. He has blessed me in so many ways. I feel His presence in valleys and mountain tops and in between. Thank you, Donny, for the inspiration of this prayer walk! I hope you enjoy your visit to Tennessee. Continued blessings on your journey.
I usually praise God in prayers and songs of it's something I wanted. But, when it's no or wait, I have a harder time. I was running late yesterday taking my dad to his cancer treatments. I was frustrated because traffic was heavy. But a mile up the road, I saw an accident that I probably would have been involved in. So, my lateness helped me, thank God. But, I have been praying for my ex to turn back to God for more than 20 years. I have recently realized that it's possible that if he had, it would have been harder on my kids. They all 4 trust and rely on God now.So, I am praising God for that instead. We still pray for him, but we know it doesn't affect us in how we trust God for our lives. I hope that makes sense. God is good in all situations!
Thank you for another thought provoking walk. Reflecting about the questions you asked and statements about prayer I had an interesting thought. Honestly, there have been times in my life that was disappointed in what I perceived as the answer I was given. I have had a life of trials and been in many, many valleys. There are times it has been hard to even imagine a mountain. But, I think in retrospect it was God's way of building my GRIT and perseverance without those I would not have survived. So, even though it may not have been the outcome I was searching for , it was all part of a greater plan, that I am still not sure is complete.
Enjoy your time in beautiful Tennessee - safe travels and blessings.
Donny -- I have to admit I respond with my mouth hanging open in awe & gratitude. I have been so blessed in my life you'd think I'd be use to God's goodness, but I am amazed every time He answers my prayers. In recent years I have began sharing what He has done for me. And it feels good. Have a great trip! ~ Jan xoxo
You spoke what will become to me EXTREMELY PROFOUND in moving forward: “Do you pray to get OUT of the trial?” My heart added this: or do you pray to get all you can OUT of the trial.” How thought provoking! How revelatory of the way all things can work together for good! (ROM 8:28) THIS is the answer to Rim 8:28 when you think it doesn’t make sense! Truly, truly there is great riches in these trying seasons if we have this posture you speak of. This makes me cherish the refiners fire and the valley times! You speak of this: ”O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how incomprehensible His ways!“
Romans 11:33 Tree of Life Version
Thank you Don for letting the Holy Spirit use you as a vessel to IMPART this very inspiring message of hope!
Great Questions Donny.
I know what I recall when I get answers to prayer either if God gives me a yes or puts my requests on hold. I understand Psalm 23 better. He is my shepherd and I don’t always need to know why.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalms 23:1 NKJV
Trust is what I have to show Him. He is my rock and fortress I can just rest in Him.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”
Psalms 23:2 NKJV
The best view is on the hilltop but He brings me a pillow and a drink of overflowing water in the valley and no one can harm me.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
I can be sssured He is near. My soul will not be forsaken. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; His strength is more than my weakness. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. I can see all the food He nourishes me with. All those I love can taste His goodness too. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. This is how I worship because His goodness is felt. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” “Take Me Home, “ I belong to Him.
Psalms 23:2-6 NKJV
I have spent a season in "the valley of the shadow of death" with my husband. He died three weeks ago, 3 months after his diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer. I thought about that phrase in Psalms 23 that I learned as a child many times in the last few months.
I prayed that God would walk with us through the illness and treatment. He did.
I prayed that my husband would be healed. He wasn't.
I prayed that God's people would support us with help on our farm and fellowship and prayers. They did, far beyond my hopes. They are still showing up continually.
I kept a record of blessings in my notebook where I also kept records of medical appointments, providers, a spreadsheet of medications and vital signs as I acted as caregiver.
Over and over, I have praised God in gratitude for carrying me through the last few months. I ask him to keep on holding me up as I face a new chapter in my life. Every time I pray that prayer, the answer is "I've got you."
I believe we live in a broken world, with many broken people who do broken things. Bad things happen. God is with us, always, in and through it all.
Down here in the valley there are blessings to be had and there is a mountain of joy God will put me back on top of one day. I can see it.
With Love and Gratitude,
Linda
Wonderful! thank you for sharing Linda. I am raying that God continue to shower His love on you
Praying for you
I watched the walk last night and went to sleep thinking about your question: where are you now, in the valley or on the mountain?
Today, before my devotional, I asked myself: what is it like to be in the valley for a follower of Christ?
The answer came to me through the scripture suggested by “YouVersion”, Psalms 147 – Incredible, how it connects with the reflections you brought.
This chapter comprises two themes:
1) Praise to God for his kindness towards all creatures and, in particular, for his kindness towards his people.
2) Fear the Lord, that is, have full conviction of God's power and his mercy. And ow how to wait for God's time, with hope in His loyal love.
Therefore, as much as the clouds seem gloomy and melancholy (valley), without them the rain doesn't happen, and without the rain we wouldn't have the fruits.
I understand that living in the valley for a while means learning, self-knowledge. It is a place where we are alone with God, broken, contrite and sensitive to the Word of God. It is in the valley that God reveals himself and shows us who we are, how we are and what we need to correct.
So, I try to praise God, of course there are those moments when I “question” and sometimes I even get angry and disappointed because I “am not at the top of the mountain”.
I ask God, whether I am in the valley or on the mountain, that I never stop contemplating His power, His love and that I can continue worshiping the Creator regardless of the circumstances.
“it is not the strength of the horse that gives him satisfaction, nor is it the agility of the man that pleases him; the Lord delights in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love” Psalm 147:10-11
Thanks for the walk!
Thanks for sharing Psalm 147:10-11. I had to read the whole chapter. That was just what I needed today.
I'm glad this scripture blessed you. She also spoke a lot to my heart.
You will be in my prayers!
What a great prayer walk. I’ve thought about these questions. Today in fact I felt God answered two prayers in which I’ve been praying for several months. So your question how do I react when God answered these prayers today? I shed a few happy tears and then I thanked Him through prayer and lastly, I turned on Spotify and sang a couple of songs of praise.
During the low times, I just try and continue to stay close to God by praying, reading and meditating on God’s Word. I also listen to worship and praise music. I try and always seek God first through the valleys and mountains to maintain the closeness to God. He always teaches me something in the valleys and also when I have that mountain view.
I truly believe it takes me seeking Him first always, and as I draw closer to Him through prayer and His Word, I get to experience the loving whispers of answered prayers or guidance of what I’m to learn. Either way, I believe and trust God to work all things out.
Thank you Donny for another great prayer walk!
Around 20 minute mark you ask a very poignant question, "...what does that say about the request in the first place?" As you noted it is so very easy to just keep moving on to the next thing, one after another as our prayers are answered. So very easy to be disrespectful towards God, and all without thinking!
This statement is sadly true "So very easy to be disrespectful towards God, and all without thinking!"
The words "easy" and "without thinking" are what break my heart.
Valleys, mountain tops and the climb or fall in between is the journey of life. In my life I think I spend a lot of time in that in between state or maybe it would be considered moving quickly between highs and lows. I can pat myself on the back for thanking God quickly for prayers answered with yes. I recognize when and how He answers my prayers. The biggest weakness for me is the more He blesses me the more I ask. When listening to my communication with God I hear more petition than thanksgiving. It is an awareness that I work on daily in my nightly prayers. He has blessed me in so many ways. I feel His presence in valleys and mountain tops and in between. Thank you, Donny, for the inspiration of this prayer walk! I hope you enjoy your visit to Tennessee. Continued blessings on your journey.
I usually praise God in prayers and songs of it's something I wanted. But, when it's no or wait, I have a harder time. I was running late yesterday taking my dad to his cancer treatments. I was frustrated because traffic was heavy. But a mile up the road, I saw an accident that I probably would have been involved in. So, my lateness helped me, thank God. But, I have been praying for my ex to turn back to God for more than 20 years. I have recently realized that it's possible that if he had, it would have been harder on my kids. They all 4 trust and rely on God now.So, I am praising God for that instead. We still pray for him, but we know it doesn't affect us in how we trust God for our lives. I hope that makes sense. God is good in all situations!
Thank you for another thought provoking walk. Reflecting about the questions you asked and statements about prayer I had an interesting thought. Honestly, there have been times in my life that was disappointed in what I perceived as the answer I was given. I have had a life of trials and been in many, many valleys. There are times it has been hard to even imagine a mountain. But, I think in retrospect it was God's way of building my GRIT and perseverance without those I would not have survived. So, even though it may not have been the outcome I was searching for , it was all part of a greater plan, that I am still not sure is complete.
Enjoy your time in beautiful Tennessee - safe travels and blessings.
Donny -- I have to admit I respond with my mouth hanging open in awe & gratitude. I have been so blessed in my life you'd think I'd be use to God's goodness, but I am amazed every time He answers my prayers. In recent years I have began sharing what He has done for me. And it feels good. Have a great trip! ~ Jan xoxo
I have tried several times to write, but I am unable to as it goes too deep.
Take your time. Share when/if you feel.
You spoke what will become to me EXTREMELY PROFOUND in moving forward: “Do you pray to get OUT of the trial?” My heart added this: or do you pray to get all you can OUT of the trial.” How thought provoking! How revelatory of the way all things can work together for good! (ROM 8:28) THIS is the answer to Rim 8:28 when you think it doesn’t make sense! Truly, truly there is great riches in these trying seasons if we have this posture you speak of. This makes me cherish the refiners fire and the valley times! You speak of this: ”O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how incomprehensible His ways!“
Romans 11:33 Tree of Life Version
Thank you Don for letting the Holy Spirit use you as a vessel to IMPART this very inspiring message of hope!
Susan