We will all have slip-ups, setbacks, and days when we’re in a valley. When this happens we can wonder if we’ve made any progress.
We might say, “See? I’ve been fooling myself. I’m not stronger. I’m not better. I’m right back where I began.”
But that isn’t true. The valley is normal. It’s part of the process.
Years ago a mentor drew a range of mountains and valleys on a whiteboard. “This is how growth works,” he said. He pointed to a valley higher up than those at the beginning.
“When we go into a valley,” he explained, “It feels like we are all the way down here.” He gestured toward the very lowest point. “But we are so much higher up and further on than when we started the journey.”
We have not lost our way; this is the way. Mountains and valleys. Reaching new heights and experiencing relapses. Discovering strengths and being pounced on by regrets that sometimes still stalk us.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NIV).
You will find yourself in low places at times, a lonely wind howling around you. But you will never have to surrender all the ground you’ve gained, all the progress you’ve made. No one can take that from you. Nothing can push you all the way back to the bottom.
You will not go back to where you started.
You will never be who you were before.
You will walk through even the darkest valley with the One who is able to guide you all the way Home.
Cheering you on,
Holley Gerth
MORE FOR YOU
* If you want more encouragement like this, you’ll find it in Shepherd of Her Soul, a FREE 7-day devotional plan I created for you on the YouVersion Bible app!
* If you want more clarity about where you’re going in life, Find Your Purpose in this Season can help! Hali, a recent graduate, said, “I’d highly recommend this course to anyone who feels lost or overwhelmed and is seeking Christ-centered guidance for their next steps. It’s a valuable resource.”
* More than Small Talk – In a recent episode, we talked about how you have permission to grieve the life you didn’t get, while also feeling grateful for the life you have. Whew, that’s a relief to know.
