Walking in Valleys

(cross posted on my MySpace account)

I find myself attracted to spiritual songs that juxtapose the ideas of valleys and mountains. I love the song "Mountain of God" by Third Day, the song I'm currently playing on MySpace. It is about realizing that though we may think we are alone, we are not. It is about the journey we are on, and that He has gone before us and will lead us through. It reminds me of a portion of "Sacred Romance" by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge. They talk about the book "Pilgrim's Progress", and about how taking the road that is the Sacred Romance can be foggy and difficult. But it is the road that is worth taking.

Caedmon's Call has a song from a few years ago about being in the valley ('Valleys Fill First'), and realizing that it is in the valley that we are surrounded by God, where we are baptized. We long to be on the mountaintop, but the times in the valley are a necessary part of our journey with God.

That reminds me of the book "Hind's Feet in High Places" by Hannah Hurnand (sp?). I can't give it away - the allegory is just so beautiful. You must read it! But it is about a journey from a valley up a mountain that seemed confusing and despairing, but in the end was perfect.

Stephen Curtis Chapman wrote a song called The Mountain many years ago. He wrote from the perspective of being on the mountain, and knowing he needed to go back down to the valley. It ends with a prayer that God will help Him remember all he learned on the mountain. I think I have learned as much or more in my times in the valley.

This last year has felt at times like being in a valley under a dark shadow, with lots of fog and cold. Other times, it seemed clear and beautiful. But I was never alone!