Finding God’s Presence in Life’s Valleys
Summary
The sermon "God With Us // With Us in the Valleys" explores the Christian concept that God is present with us, especially during our most challenging times. The speaker begins by setting the stage for the series, referencing Dr. John Harris's previous message and emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as the reason for the Christmas season. They highlight that while it's easy to feel God's presence during life's high points, it's in the valleys, or difficult times, where remembering His presence becomes more challenging.
The speaker then delves into the significance of finding strength in the valley, citing Psalm 84:8 and the value of gathering with fellow believers to worship. They stress that despite a world that discourages such gatherings, those who trust in the Lord will find favor and protection. The sermon continues with a call to embrace obedience, surrender, and dependence on God during these "Valley seasons," rather than seeking temporary relief through vices.
The speaker reflects on the experience of waiting on God, acknowledging the necessity of faith during these periods. They encourage the congregation to remain obedient and faithful, assuring them that their patience will eventually yield a harvest. The presence of God in our lives, particularly during hardships, is emphasized, with the speaker reassuring the audience that they are not alone in their struggles.
The sermon also discusses the importance of setting one's heart on God for spiritual growth and answered prayers, using the example of Bobby, who experienced spiritual maturity and fulfillment of dreams by doing so. The speaker then explains the significance of digging a well in the valley, positioning oneself for God's provision, and the challenges of seeing things accurately in difficult times.
The key takeaways from the sermon are:
1. Recognizing God's presence in our lives is crucial, especially during the valleys or difficult times. It is in these low points that our faith is tested, and we must remember that God is with us, offering strength and guidance. This understanding can transform our perspective on suffering and provide comfort in the knowledge that we are never alone. [05:50]
2. Gathering with fellow believers for worship is not just a ritual but a powerful source of spiritual strength. In a world that often discourages such community, the act of coming together to worship can bring light and protection to our lives, reinforcing our trust in the Lord. [11:12]
3. Obedience, surrender, and dependence on God are essential in navigating life's valleys. Instead of turning to temporary fixes, we should dig a well of faithfulness, allowing God to guide us to where He wants us to be. This act of setting our hearts on God is a transformative process that leads to spiritual growth. [36:18]
4. Waiting on God is a faith-building exercise. It teaches us to rely on Him more deeply, and though it may be challenging, it is a gracious opportunity for growth. Our patience and faithfulness in waiting are crucial for experiencing the eventual harvest God has planned for us. [35:41]
5. Positioning ourselves for God's provision is akin to bringing a cup to be filled with water. By engaging with scripture, seeking Christian community, and counseling, we create a space in our lives for God to work and meet the needs of our hearts, even in the midst of our valleys. [29:41]
In conclusion, the sermon "God With Us // With Us in the Valleys" offers profound insights into the Christian journey, emphasizing the importance of God's presence, community worship, obedience, patience, and positioning ourselves for God's provision during our most challenging times.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 84:5-7 (NIV): "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 84:5-7 say about the strength of those who trust in God and their journey through the valley?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Valley of Baka, and why is it referred to as the "Valley of Tears"? [07:31]
3. How does the psalmist describe the transformation of the Valley of Baka in Psalm 84:6?
4. What are the two crucial decisions mentioned in the sermon that we must make when going through a valley? [11:52]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to set our hearts on God during difficult times, according to Psalm 84:5 and the sermon? [12:25]
2. How does the act of digging a well in the valley, as described in Psalm 84:6, symbolize our preparation for God's provision? [26:38]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that waiting on God during valley seasons can build our faith? [33:49]
4. How does gathering with fellow believers for worship provide strength and protection, as emphasized in the sermon? [10:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent valley or difficult time in your life. How did you recognize or struggle to recognize God's presence with you during that period? [03:19]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of setting our hearts on God. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your heart is focused on God, especially during challenging times? [12:25]
3. Think about the concept of digging a well in the valley. What specific actions can you take to position yourself for God's provision in your current situation? [26:38]
4. The sermon discusses the power of gathering with fellow believers. How can you make a more intentional effort to engage with your church community, and what benefits do you hope to gain from it? [10:39]
5. Reflect on a time when you had to wait on God. How did that experience shape your faith, and what did you learn about dependence and surrender during that period? [33:49]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of obedience, dependence, and surrender. Identify one area in your life where you need to practice these principles more fully. What steps will you take to do so? [29:05]
7. How can you support someone else who is currently going through a valley? What specific actions or words of encouragement can you offer to help them recognize God's presence and provision? [03:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Presence in the Valleys
In the depths of our struggles, it is vital to acknowledge that God's presence is a steadfast reality. The valleys of life test our faith, but they also offer a profound sense of companionship and guidance from the Divine. This understanding can reshape our view of suffering, providing solace in the knowledge that solitude is an illusion, and divine companionship is a constant. [05:50]
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation? How did this awareness affect your experience of the challenge?
Day 2: Strength in Community Worship
The act of joining with others in worship is not merely a tradition but a potent conduit for spiritual fortitude. In a society that often dissuades such unity, coming together in the name of faith can illuminate and safeguard our lives, bolstering our confidence in God's promises. [11:12]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How has participating in communal worship impacted your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to ensure it remains a priority?
Day 3: Obedience and Surrender in Trials
In the midst of life's valleys, embracing obedience and surrender to God's will is crucial. Rather than seeking fleeting solace, one should cultivate a well of faithfulness, allowing God to lead us to His intended destination. This commitment to setting our hearts on God is a transformative journey that fosters spiritual growth. [36:18]
James 4:7-8 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself resisting surrender to God? How can you begin to submit that area to Him today?
Day 4: Patience in God's Timing
Waiting on God is a spiritual discipline that strengthens our faith. It compels us to depend more fully on Him, and though it may be arduous, it is a gracious opportunity for growth. Our endurance and faithfulness in waiting are essential for reaping the harvest God has in store for us. [35:41]
Habakkuk 2:3 - "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's timing. How did the outcome differ from what you expected, and what did you learn about patience and trust?
Day 5: Positioning for Divine Provision
Positioning oneself for God's provision is like preparing a vessel to receive water. By engaging with scripture, seeking fellowship with other believers, and pursuing spiritual counsel, we create a space in our lives for God to act and satisfy the needs of our hearts, even amidst our valleys. [29:41]
Genesis 26:17-18 - "So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar, where he settled. Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to position yourself to receive God's provision in your current circumstances?
Quotes
"When we're in a Valley season, we're in a difficult season, we have no idea what to do because what we think is life is about comfort and convenience and ease." [16:45] (Download)
"Dig a well of obedience, obedience dig a well of surrender, dig a well of dependence. The natural thing for us to do in the valley is to run... but if you'll set your heart in the valley, God's going to take you to where he wants you to go." [36:18] (Download)
"God isn't just aware of you; God is actually with you. There's a difference between being aware of something and actually being with someone." [03:57] (Download)
"You are not alone. Maybe you're in a valley right now, a time of hardship, loneliness, or pain, but God is with us in the valley." [05:12] (Download)
"We have to put ourselves in the posture for God to provide. We have to dig some wells so God could bring the rain." [28:27] (Download)
"In the Valley, obedience, dependence, and surrender are the postures that position us for God's provision, no matter what we face." [29:05] (Download)
"Even when we're in the valley and things are all over the place, we say, 'God, I'm going to obey you,' and we commit to scripture and community, regardless of our feelings." [29:41] (Download)
"Valleys are tools for God to draw us to himself, so life being comfortable, convenient, easy, we're in a Valley season we don't like it, but what God does is he uses these tools to cause us to depend deeper on him." [18:04] (Download)
"God uses valleys as tools for us to come to him and to set our hearts on him, revealing that the saviors we have created are insufficient and causing us to rely deeper on Him." [18:45] (Download)
"Waiting is where faith actually becomes necessary. It's in our waiting season when we learn to depend on Him deeper." [33:49] (Download)
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