He established the earth on its foundations; it will never be shaken.  You covered it with deep as if it were a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.  At your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away-mountains rose and valleys sank- to the place You established for them. You set boundaries they cannot cross; they will never cover the earth again.    Psalm 104:5-9 HCSB

I don’t know about you, but I used to be excited and could be on fire for God when I was on the mountain top, meaning when things were going well. But if I sank into the valley when things weren’t going my way, suddenly I felt all alone. I didn’t feel as though God were with me. There were times when I felt as though God had abandoned me in this dark place.

Perhaps this is why I love “Footprints”, the writing that speaks of the footprints in the sand. When the writer questions God about the times that there were only one set of footprints, God explains that this was when he was carrying them.

I have learned that I can choose to feel God’s presence no matter my circumstances. In order to do so, I must choose to live in His shelter (Psalm 91). I would much rather walk through the valley with God by my side. The 23rd Psalm tells us that, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” There is a comfort and a peace that surrounds us when we draw near to God. This comfort sustains us whether we are on the top of the mountain or sinking low in the valley. This is where that peace that passes all understanding comes from that is mentioned in Philippians 4:7.

If you want to have that same peace regardless of your circumstances, trust in God. Give your life over to Him. Without God we live our lives on an emotional roller coaster, flying high one minute and dropping low the next.

When we choose to follow God and trust in Him, we can remain steady no matter what life throws our way. We can have that blessed assurance that God’s got this and we have no reason to worry or fear.

So, I ask you today, are you trusting in God? Have you given it all over to Him? Are you drawing near to Him through prayer, Bible study and by spending time with Him in His house?

I spent many years of my life allowing my circumstances to control my emotions and allowing my emotions to control me. Praise God those days are gone. I know when I am sinking low and things are spinning out of control, that He’s in control and He loves me. I know that He is working all things out for my good because I love Him and am doing my best to live my life according to the purpose He has set forth for me (Romans 8:28).

If you are tired of feeling like a hamster on a wheel running around in that one spot and going nowhere, turn to God. If you are tired of being controlled by your emotions, let Him have control of your life. Don’t be afraid of what you will have to give up, be excited for all that you will gain.

Trust in Him today and allow Him to walk beside you whether you are on the mountain top or in the valley. Have no fear, He’s got this!

Have a great weekend!