Finding Hope and Strength in Life's Valleys
Summary
As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded of the profound journey of Christ, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death on the cross. This season is a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which is the hope and salvation that Jesus brought into the world. In a world where many religions emphasize human efforts to reach God, Christianity stands unique in that God reached down to us through Jesus. This is a time to remember that our faith is not about our efforts but about God's grace and love for us.
In Matthew 1:23, we are reminded that Jesus is Emmanuel, "God with us." It's easy to feel God's presence when life is going well, but it's in the valleys of life—those times of struggle and hardship—that we truly come to know Him. The valleys are where our faith is tested and strengthened. Psalm 84 speaks of the Valley of Baca, a place of tears and hardship, yet it is also a place where springs of life can be found. This teaches us that even in our darkest times, God is with us, and there is growth and blessing to be found.
When we find ourselves in the valley, we are called to seek God's strength, for it is in our weakness that His strength is made perfect. We must fix our minds on Him, focusing not on our problems but on His presence and promises. As we journey through these difficult times, we are encouraged to "dig a well," preparing ourselves for the blessings God will provide. This act of faith demonstrates our trust in His faithfulness.
In this busy Christmas season, let us take time to be still and know that He is God. Let us prepare our hearts and lives for His provision, trusting that He will guide us through the valleys to places of peace and joy. Whether you are in a valley now or will face one in the future, remember that God is with you, and He is faithful.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Presence in the Valleys: In life's valleys, where battles and loneliness reside, we find growth and a deeper understanding of God. It's in these challenging times that we truly come to know Him, as His presence becomes more evident in our struggles. [33:06]
- Seek His Strength: When facing difficulties, we must rely on God's strength rather than our own. Our culture may celebrate independence, but true strength comes from dependence on God, whose power is made perfect in our weakness. [36:32]
- Fix Your Mind on God: In the midst of trials, it's crucial to focus our minds on God rather than our problems. By setting our minds on things above, we can find peace and purpose even in the most challenging circumstances. [40:27]
- Prepare for God's Provision: As we navigate life's valleys, we are called to "dig a well," preparing ourselves for the blessings God will provide. This act of faith shows our trust in His faithfulness and readiness to receive His provision. [45:46]
- Be Still and Know God: In our busy lives, especially during the Christmas season, we must take time to be still and listen to God's voice. It's in these moments of stillness that we can truly experience His presence and guidance. [48:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [14:25] - Advent Reflection and Prayer
- [33:06] - Experiencing God in the Valleys
- [34:41] - The Valley of Baca
- [36:32] - Seeking God's Strength
- [40:27] - Fixing Our Minds on God
- [42:43] - Passing Through the Valley
- [44:16] - The Pathway to Peace
- [45:46] - Digging a Well
- [48:22] - Preparing for God's Provision
- [52:17] - Knowing God in the Valley
- [53:43] - Trusting and Preparing
- [55:34] - Invitation to Respond
- [56:31] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:23
- Psalm 84:5-7
- Colossians 3:2
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 1:23 reveal about the nature of Jesus and His relationship with us? How does this align with the concept of "Emmanuel" as discussed in the sermon? [33:06]
2. In Psalm 84:5-7, what is the significance of the Valley of Baca, and how does it relate to the idea of experiencing God in difficult times? [34:41]
3. According to the sermon, what are some characteristics of the valleys in our lives, and how do they differ from mountaintop experiences? [33:06]
4. How does Colossians 3:2 encourage us to focus our minds during challenging times, and what practical steps were suggested in the sermon to achieve this? [40:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "God with us" in Matthew 1:23 challenge the common perception of God's presence during difficult times? [33:06]
2. What does the Valley of Baca symbolize in our spiritual journey, and how can it be a place of growth and blessing according to the sermon? [34:41]
3. How does the sermon suggest we can "dig a well" in our lives, and what does this metaphor teach us about preparing for God's provision? [45:46]
4. In what ways does setting our minds on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3:2, transform our perspective during trials? [40:27]
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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 to seek His strength in future valleys? [36:32]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of fixing our minds on God rather than our problems. Identify a current challenge you are facing. What specific steps can you take to shift your focus to God? [40:27]
3. Consider the metaphor of "digging a well" in preparation for God's blessings. What is one area in your life where you need to actively prepare for God's provision, and how will you start this week? [45:46]
4. During this busy Christmas season, how can you intentionally create moments of stillness to listen to God's voice? What practical changes can you make to your daily routine to facilitate this? [48:22]
5. Think about a time when you relied on your own strength rather than seeking God's. What was the outcome, and how can you remind yourself to depend on His strength in similar situations in the future? [36:32]
6. The sermon mentioned that God rarely reveals Himself when we are rushed. What is one activity or commitment you can reduce or eliminate to create more space for God in your life? [48:22]
7. How can you use a past valley experience to support and encourage someone else who might be going through a similar situation? What steps will you take to reach out to them this week? [40:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Experiencing God's Presence in Life's Valleys
In the valleys of life, where struggles and loneliness often reside, we find an opportunity for growth and a deeper understanding of God. These challenging times are not devoid of His presence; rather, they are moments when His presence becomes more evident. The valleys are where our faith is tested and strengthened, and where we come to know God in a more profound way. Psalm 84 speaks of the Valley of Baca, a place of tears and hardship, yet it is also a place where springs of life can be found. This teaches us that even in our darkest times, God is with us, and there is growth and blessing to be found. [33:06]
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools." (Psalm 84:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent valley experience in your life. How did you sense God's presence during that time, and what growth or blessing emerged from it?
Day 2: Relying on God's Strength
When facing difficulties, it is essential to rely on God's strength rather than our own. Our culture often celebrates independence and self-reliance, but true strength comes from dependence on God. In our weakness, His power is made perfect. This reliance on God is not a sign of weakness but a testament to His strength and faithfulness. By seeking His strength, we acknowledge our limitations and open ourselves to His limitless power and grace. [36:32]
"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." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are struggling. How can you actively seek God's strength in this situation today?
Day 3: Focusing on God Amidst Trials
In the midst of trials, it is crucial to focus our minds on God rather than our problems. By setting our minds on things above, we can find peace and purpose even in the most challenging circumstances. This shift in focus allows us to see beyond our immediate struggles and recognize God's presence and promises. It is a conscious decision to trust in His faithfulness and to find solace in His word and presence. [40:27]
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to shift your focus from your problems to God's promises?
Day 4: Preparing for God's Provision
As we navigate life's valleys, we are called to "dig a well," preparing ourselves for the blessings God will provide. This act of faith demonstrates our trust in His faithfulness and readiness to receive His provision. It is an invitation to actively participate in God's work in our lives, even when we cannot see the outcome. By preparing for His provision, we show our belief in His promises and our willingness to receive His blessings. [45:46]
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can "dig a well" in your life today, preparing for the blessings God has in store for you?
Day 5: Being Still to Know God
In our busy lives, especially during the Christmas season, it is vital to take time to be still and listen to God's voice. It is in these moments of stillness that we can truly experience His presence and guidance. Being still allows us to quiet the noise around us and focus on His voice, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him. This practice of stillness is not just about physical rest but about spiritual renewal and connection with God. [48:22]
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to be still before God. What do you sense He is saying to you in this moment of quiet?
Quotes
"Dear Lord God, we thank you so much for the fact that you came to make a way for us to be with you. God, there is no other hope for us. You are our only hope. And God, we pray that as we head into Christmas with all the busyness and all the other things that are going on, we just set aside the time to really focus on the fact that you came for us." [00:13:33] (22 seconds)
"So what can we do when we're in that valley? The first thing is this. What can you do in the valley? Number one is going to come up here on the screen. Number one is to seek his strength. When we're in the valley, seek his strength. Because when we're in the valley, seek his strength." [00:36:55] (16 seconds)
"Not in themselves, not in their own ability, not in their own understanding, not in their own wisdom or genius or anything else. Their strength is in you, in God. And I don't, you know, maybe if you don't know God personally, what you have is really all you have. Right? If you don't have a relationship with God, then what you have is all you've got." [00:37:04] (22 seconds)
"Secondly, you can fix your mind. When you're in the valley, you can fix your mind. Look at it in verse 5 again. It says, What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage. Right? They have set their minds on a pilgrimage. Those who are blessed are those who are not. Those who have set their mind toward God." [00:39:39] (23 seconds)
"Because even in the midst of that difficulty and the problem and the area, whatever that is, God still has something that I can learn through that. He has some way to grow me through that. He has some way that he wants to use that. God doesn't waste a hurt." [00:39:56] (15 seconds)
"What is our mind fixed on? Is my mind fixed on the problem or my mind fixed on God? As I go through that valley, I can fix my mind on Him. What you think about matters. It really does. What you think about makes a big difference. My current circumstance may be in the valley, but my mind is fixed on God." [00:41:58] (22 seconds)
"The way many times is through the valley, not just out, but to go through it. Sometimes it's to go through that difficulty. In Jerusalem, we think of Zion. The house of God, the city of refuge, the place of peace. To get through to that city of refuge, to get to there, they had to go through the valley of tears to get there." [00:44:20] (23 seconds)
"They make it a well. So when you're in a dry place, when they were in the desert, they're in this difficult, dry place, but what do they do? They dug wells. They dug holes, and then God brought the rain and filled the hole. Right? God can bring the rain, but he expects us to do some stuff to prepare for it." [00:45:49] (21 seconds)
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