Peaks and Valleys

We all go through highs and lows in our lives and in our Christian walks. We all have times when we are super inspired, motivated, accomplishing goals and enjoying life. Times when our money is flowing, our love lives flourishing, and everything just seems to be working out in our favor. Then, we have times when we may feel stuck, alone, uninspired, and unmotivated. Times when God doesn’t seem to be moving or answering our prayers. Times when it seems like life is just running over us/passing us by.

I have had some great peaks in my life, but can I tell you that lately I have been feeling a little valley-ish. I have been in a bit of a funk and annoyed because - if I can be honest and transparent for a moment- it just seems like God isn’t moving in certain areas of my life. I have been praying on some things for a long time now, and it seems like nothing is happening.

It’s okay to admit that we are frustrated. It’s okay to admit that we are disappointed.  But what it’s not okay to do – is stay there.

I had to remember chapter 8: “Endure” from my book, Building Relationship: It’s About More Than Going to Church, when I talked about the importance of stirring ourselves up in the Lord. I also went back and re-read this passage: “I know it’s hard to hold on during those cold, winter seasons of life, where God seems silent and nothing appears to be working out for you. I can tell you from experience, those seasons serve a purpose: they are pressing, stretching, and preparing you.”

See, God doesn’t just give us songs, books, or sermons to encourage other people; we need those words as well. In fact, the messages we share with others are often for ourselves first.

Even though I feel more pressed than a panini and more stretched than a rubber band (or poor edges in a too tight ponytail) by this point – I recognize that I may not be as prepared as I need to be for the things I have been praying for and waiting on. Therefore, I will continue to trust God in this season and believe that it serves a purpose that will make sense to me later (hopefully not too much later).

If you too have been in a valley-ish place in your life lately, I want to encourage you to stay the course. As I wrote in my book, “Don’t allow frustration to provoke you out of relationship with God.” Seek God for strength. Pray for revelation about this season. Stir yourself up in the Lord. Depression is real and it’s so easy to slip into a depressive state from disappointment. Be intentional about guarding your mind and heart in this season.

This too shall pass.

God is faithful.

Love,

Danielle Fennell