Hills and Valleys: Renewing Your Faith

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Have you experienced the highs and lows of your faith journey? Mountain top highs and valley lows are inevitable as we walk with Jesus. Our journey is not linear or on a strictly uphill trajectory; instead, it looks much like a mountain range. You have seasons where you feel like you’re in a valley or a rut, followed by seasons of tremendous spiritual growth, faith, and what some call mountain top moments.

Sanctification means to be set apart, and that’s what we are in Jesus. So while being sanctified, we often experience these seasons where we read our Bible daily, spend time praying with God, listen to worship music, and serve at church or in our communities, all while having this unwavering faith. But know that while we are being sanctified, we can experience lows in our faith. In these seasons, we aren’t really communicating with God through prayer, not reading His Word regularly, and maybe even just going through the motions of our faith.

In all areas of our journey, we can be sure to cling to the fact that Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us. There is absolutely nothing we can do to separate ourselves from the Lord because, as believers, we were bought at a price; the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We belong to God; we are His children. How beautiful and reassuring is this truth?

So have you found yourself in one of those spiritual ruts, longing to get back on the mountain top or at least just not in the valley any longer? When I find myself in these seasons, I often try to think of the most simple things I can do to feel connected to God.

Have you ever heard the question that asks the steps to eat an elephant? The answer is one bite at a time, and I think this is a good rule of thumb for getting yourself out of a rut.

I will spend time rereading my favorite scripture, and in my prayer time with God, I ask Him to renew my faith. I ask Him to remind me who I am as His child and who He is as my Father.

Some of my favorite verses I use during this time are 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 4:7, Ephesians 2:4-5, and Romans 8:38-39.

If you feel stagnant in your faith, I encourage you to go back to your go-to verses or use my examples. Spend time every day reading these truths from God’s Word and reflecting on what God has done in your life. List out areas in which you’re facing troubles, and ask God to intervene and guide you in His direction.

We are not to live life alone, so find an accountability partner or friend whom you can confide in about this season. Ask them to check in with you on your time reading your Bible and prayer.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

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This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir (Galatians 4:7).

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5).

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.