Finding Happiness in the Valleys

       9/10 times when I am talking about my school, I call it Happy Valley. Ever since I became a student here I have just beamed at the fact that the place I got to learn, grow, and live for 4 years was called Happy Valley. I strive to live a happy life, so walking through these challenging 4 years in place on the map that screamed happy was such a comfort. 

       For some reason, it wasn’t until yesterday that I really saw the way God worked through this simple phrase “Happy Valley”. One of my favorite songs currently is ironically called “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells. The song talks all about how God is the God of the hills and valleys, a God that walks with us through the low parts (valleys) of our lives and stands with us when we are on the mountain tops. 

       This song talks about the valleys of life as low places filled with heartache, trials, and burdens. But the place I have decided to live in declares that same type of place, a valley, happy. And I think that’s exactly how God wants us to think about when we are walking through the valleys together. The lows, the trials, the heartache - they could very well crush our spirits and shatter our foundation of trust and love for God if we decide to walk alone. But man, if we decide to walk through the valley with Jesus, he shows us the beauty, growth, and healing that comes from the valleys. He gives us an unshakable joy, a happiness that is not determined by our current circumstances, but instead determined by who we are in Christ and who He is. & I don't know about you, but every valley I have walked through has only strengthened my relationship with Jesus. To not only see but experience His grace when we feel like we are constantly stumbling in our personal valleys gives us an even clearer picture of who this God of the hills and valleys is, and how deeply He cares for us. 

        So if the current season of life you are walking through is in a valley, I encourage you to see the valley how God sees it. God puts us in these trialing seasons for us to grow in Him. And when we grow in Him we are given a spirit that is unshakable, joy-filled, and confident; knowing that whatever is to come - He is bigger and we never have to walk alone.

       Rest in this truth today friends. When we choose Jesus, not even valleys will shake our happiness. 

"On the mountains, I will bow my life to the one who set me there

In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there

When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own

When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!

You're God of the hills and valleys!" - Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells

Psalm 31:11 - "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing, you have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothes me with joy"

Psalm 126:5 - "Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy."

Romans 15:13 - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."