Finding God in Life's Valleys: The Christmas Promise
Summary
In the midst of the holiday season, we often hear the song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," which captures the joy and celebration associated with Christmas. However, for many, this time can also bring mixed emotions, pain, and hardship. As we embark on a new series titled "God with Us," we explore the profound impact of the Christmas message, even when it doesn't feel like the most wonderful time. At the heart of Christmas is the incarnation, the theological truth that God became flesh in Jesus Christ, dwelling among us. This is encapsulated in Matthew 1:23, which declares Jesus as Emmanuel, meaning "God with us."
The reality of God's presence is often easier to grasp when life is good, but it becomes challenging when we find ourselves in the valleys of life—those difficult, painful, and lonely times. Today, we delve into Psalm 84, which speaks of the valley of Baca, a place of weeping and hardship. Yet, it is in these valleys that we come to know God more intimately. While we enjoy God on the mountaintops, it is in the valleys that we truly experience His character and strength.
To navigate these valleys, we must set our minds on God, focusing on the ultimate journey to the heavenly Jerusalem. This requires relying on God's strength, which is made perfect in our weakness. The valley is not our destination; it is a pathway to something greater. As we pass through, we are encouraged to make room for God's presence, transforming the valley into a place of springs, a source of life and refreshment.
In life's valleys, we are reminded that we are not alone. The promise of Christmas is that God is with us, providing strength and guidance. We can trust Him, knowing that the valley is temporary and that His presence is constant. As we embrace the incarnation of Christmas, we find comfort, joy, and light in our darkest moments. This is the essence of Christmas: God with us, always.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Incarnation's Impact: The incarnation, God becoming flesh in Jesus, is central to Christmas. It signifies God's presence with us, offering comfort and strength, especially in life's valleys. This truth is foundational for understanding the Christmas message. [03:47]
2. Knowing God in the Valleys: While we enjoy God on the mountaintops, we truly get to know Him in the valleys. These challenging times reveal His character and strength, drawing us closer to Him. The valley is where we experience God's presence in profound ways. [06:05]
3. Setting Our Minds on God: To navigate life's valleys, we must set our minds on God, focusing on our ultimate journey to the heavenly Jerusalem. This mindset helps us rely on God's strength and keeps us grounded in His promises. [10:46]
4. Making Room for God's Presence: In the valleys, we are called to make room for God's presence, transforming these difficult places into sources of life and refreshment. By trusting in God, we find strength and hope, even in the darkest times. [17:50]
5. The Promise of God's Presence: The promise of Christmas is that we are never alone in the valley. God's presence is constant, providing guidance and strength. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with confidence and peace. [27:55]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:47] - The Reality of Christmas
[02:13] - Introducing "God with Us" Series
[03:47] - The Incarnation: God with Us
[05:12] - Where is God in the Valley?
[06:05] - Understanding Valleys in the Bible
[09:18] - Setting Our Minds on God
[10:46] - The Journey to Jerusalem
[11:44] - Life's Valleys and Pockets
[12:55] - The Valley as a Pathway
[14:29] - The Importance of Mindset
[15:18] - The Power of Thoughts
[16:32] - God's Presence in the Valley
[17:50] - Making Room for God
[19:47] - The Valley of Baca
[21:38] - Strength in Weakness
[24:54] - Passing Through the Valley
[26:33] - Thanking God in the Valley
[27:55] - The Promise of Christmas
[28:34] - Invitation to Know Christ
[29:40] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "God with Us"
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:23
- Psalm 84:5-12
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 1:23 reveal about the significance of Jesus' birth and His name, Emmanuel? How does this relate to the theme of "God with us"? [03:47]
2. In Psalm 84:5-12, what is the significance of the valley of Baca, and how is it transformed according to the passage? [06:05]
3. How does the sermon describe the experience of God's presence differently on the mountaintops versus in the valleys? [05:12]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of mindset in navigating life's valleys, according to Psalm 84? [09:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the incarnation, as described in the sermon, provide comfort and strength during difficult times? [02:13]
2. What does it mean to "set our minds on God" during challenging times, and how can this practice impact our journey through life's valleys? [10:46]
3. How can the transformation of the valley of Baca into a place of springs be seen as a metaphor for God's work in our lives during hardships? [17:50]
4. In what ways does the promise of God's constant presence, as highlighted in the sermon, change our perspective on facing life's challenges? [27:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent "valley" experience in your life. How did you perceive God's presence during that time, and what might you do differently now to recognize His presence more clearly? [05:12]
2. The sermon emphasizes setting our minds on God. What practical steps can you take this week to focus your thoughts on God's promises, especially during difficult moments? [09:18]
3. Consider a current challenge you are facing. How can you make room for God's presence in this situation, transforming it into a source of strength and refreshment? [17:50]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of relying on God's strength. Identify an area in your life where you feel weak. How can you actively seek God's strength in this area? [21:38]
5. How can the promise of "God with us" during Christmas change the way you approach the holiday season, especially if it is a difficult time for you? [27:55]
6. Think of someone in your life who might be going through a valley. How can you be a source of encouragement and remind them of God's constant presence? [26:33]
7. The sermon suggests that the valley is not our destination but a pathway. How does this perspective influence your long-term goals and the way you handle setbacks? [13:57]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Incarnation: God’s Presence in Our Reality
The incarnation, the profound truth of God becoming flesh in Jesus Christ, is central to the Christmas message. It signifies that God is not distant but intimately present with us, offering comfort and strength, especially during life's challenging moments. This truth is foundational for understanding the essence of Christmas, as it assures us that God is with us in every situation, whether joyful or painful. The incarnation is a reminder that God chose to dwell among us, experiencing human life in its fullness, and providing a model of love and compassion. [03:47]
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Reflection: How does the reality of God being with you change the way you approach your current struggles or challenges today?
Day 2: Discovering God’s Character in Life’s Valleys
While mountaintop experiences are moments of joy and celebration, it is in the valleys of life—those difficult and painful times—that we truly come to know God’s character and strength. These valleys, like the valley of Baca mentioned in Psalm 84, are places of weeping and hardship. Yet, they are also opportunities to experience God’s presence in profound ways. In the valleys, we learn to rely on God’s strength, which is made perfect in our weakness, and we draw closer to Him as we navigate through these challenging times. [06:05]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Think of a recent valley experience in your life. How did you see God’s character and strength revealed during that time?
Day 3: Focusing on the Journey to the Heavenly Jerusalem
To navigate the valleys of life, it is essential to set our minds on God, focusing on our ultimate journey to the heavenly Jerusalem. This mindset helps us rely on God’s strength and keeps us grounded in His promises. By keeping our eyes on the eternal destination, we can endure the temporary challenges of life with hope and perseverance. This focus not only provides direction but also transforms our perspective, allowing us to see God’s hand at work even in the midst of trials. [10:46]
Colossians 3:2 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to set your mind on God and His promises, especially when facing difficulties?
Day 4: Transforming Valleys into Springs of Life
In the valleys, we are called to make room for God’s presence, transforming these difficult places into sources of life and refreshment. By trusting in God, we find strength and hope, even in the darkest times. The valley is not our final destination; it is a pathway to something greater. As we pass through, we are encouraged to create spaces for God’s presence, turning the valley into a place of springs, where life and renewal can flourish. [17:50]
Psalm 84:6 (ESV): "As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools."
Reflection: How can you intentionally make room for God’s presence in your current valley, allowing it to become a place of life and refreshment?
Day 5: Embracing the Promise of God’s Constant Presence
The promise of Christmas is that we are never alone in the valley. God’s presence is constant, providing guidance and strength. This assurance allows us to face life’s challenges with confidence and peace, knowing that the valley is temporary and that God is with us every step of the way. Embracing the incarnation of Christmas means finding comfort, joy, and light in our darkest moments, as we trust in the unwavering presence of God. [27:55]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of God’s constant presence today, especially when you feel alone or overwhelmed?
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Quotes
"The person who is strong is the person who has a heart that is set on pilgrimage. I like the way the New Living Translation translates this verse. It says, happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem." [00:09:23] (17 seconds)
"Whether we find ourselves there for a pocket. Or just a moment in time. Or whether that valley is a season of life. When we're in the valley, we have to remember the truth that changes everything. And that is simply that the valley is not our destination. It's not our destination." [00:13:25] (24 seconds)
"Friends, what you think about matters. It's why we read in Colossians chapter 3 verse 2. To set your minds on things above. Not on earthly things. We find a similar instruction in Philippians 4, 8. Finally, brothers and sisters. Whatever is true. Whatever is noble. Whatever is right. Whatever is admirable. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy. Think about such things, what we think about, it matters." [00:14:45] (33 seconds)
"If we want to experience more of the incarnation of Christmas in our lives, even when things are not going well, even when we've been knocked off the mountaintop and thrown into the valley, we have to make room for the presence of God." [00:17:50] (14 seconds)
"And you should understand that not just about the valley of Baca, but about valleys in the Bible, that when you see a valley mentioned in the Bible, you should understand that the valley was a very dangerous place to be. It was dangerous." [00:19:05] (17 seconds)
"But if you do know God, if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, then what you have is not all you have. Because you have the strength of God Almighty. You have His strength to get you through it." [00:21:21] (17 seconds)
"That's what Christmas is about. God with us. Emmanuel. That strength is available. It's made possible by the incarnation of Christmas. His strength. His strength is always perfect in your weakness and in mine." [00:24:23] (22 seconds)
"Because of the incarnation of Christmas, you can and you will survive the valley. If you'll make room for the presence of God. If you will allow him to meet you in the valley. Friends, Jesus, the gift of Christmas, Jesus, the incarnation of God. He is the light in your darkness and he is the joy in your trouble and he is the comfort in your pain." [00:27:24] (29 seconds)
"But the incarnation of Christmas is the promise that you would never have to go through the valley alone. God with us. We do not fear the valley because he is with us." [00:27:55] (24 seconds)
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