The God of Peaks and Valleys

God is consistent even when we are not. He never changes:

For I am the LORD, I change not;

Malachi 3:6

He is a provider when we are tossed into places of scarcity and lack. We are blessed that our heavenly Father is rich in mercy and love and can bless us in every season.

I’ve been praying for a full-time job for five months now, and finally, the Lord has answered my prayer! I started writing seriously through this blog the day after my first real rejection letter from a job I applied for. I felt helpless and didn’t know what the future looked like but I felt a clear call to get up each night and write about my journey through the desert.

Desert seasons are so important because they test our resilience. We can say a lot on the mountain tops of plenty and comfort. But will we still say those things in the valley of uncertainty?

I have had peaks and valleys, many false starts, dashed hopes, and rejection. But in hindsight, it’s all been for good because I’ve continued. I would never have guessed that I would have had this much peace, joy, and normalcy in unemployment. But it’s only because of God and his steady hand of provision. I have never lacked! He foresaw this season and provided for me in advance. As if he really cared for me; as if I was his child.

This week, I’ve been reflecting on this verse:

Therefore do not be anxious, saying,
‘What shall we eat?’ or
‘What shall we drink?’ or
‘What shall we wear?’
For the Gentiles seek after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Matthew 6:31-32 ESV

He knows that we need all these things. And in the valleys, he will provide.

In the story of life, we are not the main characters—we're extras! There are only a couple of Elijahs, Moseses, and Davids—one Jesus. We have to understand our assignment and work to fit into it. Sometimes, this leads to a peak of success, and other times, to a valley of dependency.

I’m happy to be transitioning into a season of full-time work again. One big lesson from this time is that God wastes nothing. I was and felt tremendously productive even though I had no job. I still had plenty to do and lived with the hope that someday, my situation would change. I learned that I actually do practice what I preach as I practiced drawing nearer to God in this season. I leaned on God daily for guidance and hope.

Hope is my word of the year. It’s been a lighthouse for me—just that word. Every time I hear it, my ears prick up.

Hope.

Rejoice in hope,
be patient in tribulation,
be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12 ESV

Dear Jehovah Nissi,

Thank you for being not just a God,

But a Father.

And not just a Father,

But a Father who loves us.

Amen.