For the past few weeks, we have been studying Elijah’s triumphant victory at Mount Carmel. We saw Elijah successfully call down fire and rain from the heavens and defeat 450 prophets of Baal. However, this week we are shifting our attention from that triumphant mountain top to the heartache that is awaiting him in the valley.
We all spend a large portion of our lives walking through difficult valleys. Every day, we face challenges, disappointments, and failures. People let us down (including ourselves), circumstances are brutal, and trials can feel overwhelming. What should we do in those moments of despair? One psalmist shared his personal philosophy: “My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you” (Psalm 42:6b).
We always need God, but we should especially remember our need for Him in our darkest hours. Our God is a personal God who wants to walk with us through our valleys (Psalm 23:4). This Sunday, we will watch God do this with Elijah, but my question is do you need a touch from God as well? Do you feel stuck in a tough season? If so, I encourage you to “remember” the Lord.
One of our core values at ABC is authenticity. We want to be a family of faith that is honest about how we are doing. Rather than hide in those dark valleys, I encourage you to bring those troubles to light. Ask God to walk with you, but also consider inviting believers to join you. Paul exhorts the church to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
I imagine every person reading this knows someone in the church who is hurting. It is not difficult to find someone stuck in a valley. We all know people who are struggling with their physical and/or mental health. We all know people struggling with their marriages or parenting relationships. We all know people who are struggling with their careers and their finances. These many needs can feel overwhelming, but your encouragement, your prayers, and your concern for others can make an eternal difference.
May we all remember God this week and remember those who are walking in valleys around us. I look forward to unpacking 1 Kings 19 with you this Sunday. Bring a friend and I hope to see you at 8:45am or 11:15am at ABC.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 