No Valley Is Forever

I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

I AM NOT SURE what it says about me that I have several friends who are licensed counselors. Do with that what you will. But one thing is for sure: I clearly need help.

One of those dear friends recently said to me, “Amy, no feeling or circumstance is permanent. There is a time and a season for everything.” She was sharing her wisdom on the effects of anxiety in our society and what happens when we hit speed bumps. I was telling her that I often get stuck, spiral downward, and believe the place I am in—the circumstance or situation—is forever.

I remember having this same thought when my children were babies—how I was never going to have a full night’s rest again. That waking up every two to three hours was my lot in life.

But I learned through each of my children that no season is forever. And sometimes the best thing about seasons is the fact that they change. In Ohio, when summer turns to fall, some of the best beauty is on display. The trees take a deep breath, puff up their chests, strike a pose, and show off their most amazing hues. They signal that change can be gorgeous, that it can look amazing on us.

This rings true when we consider the incredibly hard seasons we’ve been through and how we are not there anymore. We’ve survived them and are stronger for it. We’ve watched parts of our lives get buried, but now there are blooms.

We learn that winters turn into spring. Sunrises pierce through dark nights. Dark valleys become green pastures. Resurrections rise from graves.

And when we come to the end, when every valley we’ve walked is behind us, we can rest in what is forever: God’s dwelling place—as it was meant to be—where there is no pain and suffering, no darkness, no sin, anxiety, fear. Where our longings are fulfilled, our hearts are healed, and our minds are at peace. That will be forever.

When we are wishing our valley would end, we can bank on our never-ending home. Contentment was always meant to come from communion with our Creator. No longer will our hearts wander toward other gods, treasures, or false comforts. Grace looks amazing on us when we remind one another how we will one day have permanence of heart and home.

GRACE REFLECTION: Pray with me, “God, help me to remember what a Good Shepherd You are. You are with me, giving gifts of grace at every turn in the dark, foreign valleys. Remind me that I can be content in Your presence right now. Just as You promise a home with You forever, I can experience contentment in You right now. Amen.”