When we go through the valleys of life, the Lord doesn’t sit up in heaven saying, “I hope they get through.”
And that’s because God isn’t apathetic to our situation; instead, He will guide and protect us.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
When we look at the world around us, we’ll be distressed. When we look within ourselves, we’ll be depressed. But when we look at Jesus we’ll be at rest.
There’s a beautiful worship song that always seems to help when I find myself in the midst of these valleys. It’s called “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
Its refrain says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus – Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of the world shall grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
What I find comforting is when Hosea saw the Valley of Achor, the Valley of Trouble, he saw it as a door of hope, instead of a place of despair (Hosea 2:15).
What is that door of hope? That door of hope is no one less than Jesus Christ.
In John 10:9, Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Jesus is not only the door, but He is also standing at the door of our hearts knocking.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Jesus is at the door of our hearts knocking, will we hear Him calling? We can either let Him in and the eternal hope He brings, or we can continue to stay defeated and in despair, never tasting the victory that Jesus brings, and thus always fearing the valley of the shadow of death.
When we open the door, God’s power, presence, protection, and guidance are ours when we walk through the valleys of life. And when we do, then there’s nothing to stress about.
Dennis Lee is the senior pastor of Living Waters Fellowship located at 211 West 1st South, behind ACE Hardware.
This Sunday Pastor Dennis will be looking at the life of Rahab, and how she took seriously the opportunity set before her by faith and received God’s forgiveness.
Sunday morning service begins at 10 a.m. either in-person or on-line (Children and Youth ministry available). All services and teachings, including Sunday 6 p.m. service, are available on our YouTube Channel, “Mesquite NV Living Waters Fellowship.”
Pastor Lee also provides daily inspiration (Devotionals, Thoughts, and Tweets) on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/dennis.lee.3760/).
Once again Pastor Dennis has shared words of comfort when we as a Nation need them and I as an individual need them. So timely!
Wes,
Thank you for responding. I am reminded of God’s word to Isaiah saying, “Comfort, yes, comfort My people.” (Isaiah 40:1) Have a great week and please say hi to Nancy. Take care my friend.
Thank You for reminding us that Jesus is our rest! I always enjoy your posts!
Thank you Linda,
I really like it when Jesus said, ” Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) Take care and have a great rest of your week.
Thank you Pastor Dennis for reminding us of the Door of Hope that is opened through our Lord and Savior Jesus. He is wanting us to knock. He is wanting us to enter through the door. He is always on the other side waiting for us.
Jan, I specifically like when Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep …If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:7,9) Please take care and God bless
I so love that song as well. God used it numerous times to comfort me, along with “You Are My Hiding Place” that goes with the scripture from Psalm 32:7, “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah” This article will minister to one of my individuals at work, because she is grieving the loss of her best friend who was killed in the twin towers in 9/11. This is a very difficult time of year for her, but I was able to comfort her, reminding her of that hope that is in Jesus. God’s timing is always so apropos. Thank You Jesus!
Debbie,
I am reminded by your Scripture verse about the Lord being our hiding place how He will shelter us under the shadow of His wing.
Take care and it was great seeing the family together at church.
God bless
Dennis
Pastor Dennis
Thanks again for the encouraging message.
When we look at Jesus He gives us a Peace that cannot be explained to those that do not know Him.
Blessings
James
James, We serve an awesome and loving God. And I always remember what Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) I hope you have a great rest of your week, and that the Lord blesses you and Barbara with His peace. Take care and God bless