Finding Strength Above Life's Valleys Through God

 

Summary

In the midst of life's valleys, whether they be emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual, it is crucial to find a place that elevates us above these low points. Standing in Sedona, Arizona, surrounded by a valley, I am reminded of the profound lows I have experienced, particularly with the recent loss of my wife of nearly 50 years. These valleys are a part of life, but they do not define us. We must seek strength to rise above them, and Isaiah chapter 40 offers a powerful reminder of where that strength comes from.

Isaiah 40 speaks to the majesty and glory of God, who is everlasting, omnipotent, and omniscient. When we question why life is so challenging and why we endure such pain, the Prophet Isaiah reminds us of God's nature. Despite being surrounded by battles, God provides us with new strength. Sometimes, He lifts us out of our struggles like an eagle soaring on wings. Other times, He runs alongside us, giving us a second wind. And when we are too exhausted to continue, He walks with us, ensuring we do not grow weary or give up. This divine strength is essential because life inevitably throws us into valleys, but with God's help, we do not have to remain there.

Key Takeaways:

- Life's valleys are inevitable, but they do not define us. We all experience low points, whether emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual. The key is to find a place that elevates us above these valleys, allowing us to see beyond our immediate struggles and find hope in the promise of God's strength. [00:45]

- Isaiah 40 reminds us of God's everlasting nature. In times of hardship, it is easy to forget who God is. The Prophet Isaiah calls us to remember that God is omnipotent and omniscient, and His glory is beyond our comprehension. This understanding provides a foundation of strength and hope. [01:06]

- God's strength manifests in different ways. Sometimes, He lifts us out of our struggles, giving us a sense of soaring above our problems. Other times, He provides a second wind, enabling us to keep running. And when we are too tired, He walks with us, ensuring we do not grow weary. [01:24]

- We need divine strength to navigate life's challenges. Life has a way of throwing us into valleys, but with God's strength, we can rise above them. This strength is not about removing the valleys but about empowering us to live above them, finding peace and resilience. [01:39]

- God's presence is constant, even in our lowest moments. Whether we are soaring, running, or walking, God is with us, providing the strength we need to endure. This assurance allows us to face life's valleys with confidence, knowing we are not alone. [01:54]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Experiencing Life's Valleys
[00:45] - Rising Above the Valleys
[01:06] - The Glory of God
[01:24] - God's Strength in Our Struggles
[01:39] - Living Above the Valleys
[01:54] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 40:27-31

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some of the different types of valleys mentioned in the sermon that people might experience in life? [00:21]

2. According to the sermon, how does Isaiah 40 describe God's nature and attributes? [01:06]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the different ways God provides strength to us during our struggles? [01:24]

4. What does the speaker mean by saying that we need to find a place that rises up high above the valleys? [00:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does Isaiah 40:27-31 provide comfort and hope to those who are experiencing life's valleys? How does this passage help us understand God's role in our struggles?

2. The sermon mentions that God sometimes gives us a "second wind" or walks with us when we are tired. How can this imagery help us understand the different ways God supports us? [01:39]

3. How does the understanding of God's omnipotence and omniscience, as described in Isaiah 40, influence our perspective on the challenges we face in life? [01:06]

4. The speaker talks about the importance of not letting valleys define us. How can this perspective change the way we approach difficult situations in our lives? [00:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent "valley" experience in your life. How did you seek strength during that time, and what role did your faith play in it? [00:21]

2. Isaiah 40 speaks of God renewing our strength. What practical steps can you take to rely more on God's strength rather than your own when facing challenges? [01:24]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering God's nature during hardships. How can you remind yourself of God's attributes in your daily life, especially during tough times? [01:06]

4. Think of a time when you felt like you were given a "second wind" in a difficult situation. How did that experience impact your faith and trust in God? [01:39]

5. The speaker mentions the need to rise above the valleys. What are some specific actions or practices you can implement to elevate your perspective and find hope amidst struggles? [00:45]

6. How can you support someone else who is currently in a valley, using the insights from Isaiah 40 and the sermon? What practical steps can you take to be a source of strength for them?

7. Consider the assurance that God is with us in our lowest moments. How can this assurance change the way you approach your daily challenges and interactions with others? [01:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Life's Valleys Do Not Define Us
In life, we all encounter valleys—those low points that challenge us emotionally, financially, relationally, or spiritually. These valleys are inevitable, but they do not define who we are. Instead, they offer us an opportunity to seek a higher perspective, one that elevates us above our immediate struggles. By finding a place of hope and strength, we can see beyond the present difficulties and trust in the promise of God's strength to carry us through. This perspective shift is crucial for navigating life's challenges with resilience and faith. [00:45]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a current valley in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see beyond this struggle and find hope in God's promise of strength?


Day 2: Remembering God's Everlasting Nature
In times of hardship, it is easy to forget the nature of God. Isaiah 40 reminds us of God's majesty and glory, emphasizing that He is everlasting, omnipotent, and omniscient. This understanding provides a foundation of strength and hope, reminding us that God's glory is beyond our comprehension. By remembering who God is, we can find comfort and assurance in His unchanging nature, even when life feels overwhelming. [01:06]

Psalm 90:2 (ESV): "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

Reflection: In what ways have you forgotten God's nature during difficult times? How can you remind yourself of His everlasting presence and power today?


Day 3: God's Strength Manifests in Different Ways
God's strength is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes, He lifts us out of our struggles, giving us a sense of soaring above our problems. Other times, He provides a second wind, enabling us to keep running. And when we are too tired, He walks with us, ensuring we do not grow weary. This divine strength is tailored to our needs, offering us the support we require in each unique situation. [01:24]

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: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's strength in a unique way. How can you be open to receiving His strength in the form you need today?


Day 4: We Need Divine Strength to Navigate Life's Challenges
Life's valleys are unavoidable, but with God's strength, we can rise above them. This strength does not remove the valleys but empowers us to live above them, finding peace and resilience. By relying on divine strength, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that we are equipped to endure and overcome. This empowerment is essential for living a life of faith and perseverance. [01:39]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that requires divine strength? How can you actively seek God's empowerment to rise above this challenge today?


Day 5: God's Presence is Constant in Our Lowest Moments
Whether we are soaring, running, or walking, God's presence is constant, providing the strength we need to endure. This assurance allows us to face life's valleys with confidence, knowing we are not alone. God's unwavering presence is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are supported and loved, even in our lowest moments. [01:54]

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: How can you become more aware of God's constant presence in your life today? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of His companionship during difficult times?

Quotes

I'm in Sedona Arizona and I'm surrounded by a valley it's a low point and I know what low points feel like particularly this season that I'm in with the loss of my wife of 49 and a half years I know what it is to sink low emotionally and even spiritually but I'm standing on a hilltop that is risen out of the valley all of us face valleys in our life emotional valleys financial valleys relational valleys spiritual values and we need to find that place that rises up high the valley doesn't disappear but we're not living in it where do we find strength for the struggles that's why I love Isaiah chapter 40 because it lifts us out of the valley by telling us the height of the glory of God [00:06]

when the people asked why is life so hard why are we hurting so bad in verse 27 the Prophet says let me remind you about who God is he's everlasting he's omnipotent he's omniscient and what he does even though you're still surrounded by the battle is he gives you new strength sometimes he swoops down and lifts you out of it wings of eagles sometimes he runs with you and gives you a second wind other times you're just too tired and he just walks with you so you don't get weary and quit either way you're no longer living in the valley [00:72]

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Transcript
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