Somewhere in the Valley

When I was a little girl we had "singings" at my little country church. Wonderful little groups would come in from all over and sing songs about heaven,God's love and 'stepping on the clouds". These songs touched me a powerful way. To this day, when I am feeling low I will sit on my porch and sing them. One particular song has been my source of strength when things happen that are so horrific and hard to understand. The melody was slow and haunting and then grew into a victorious anthem. Here are the words:

When I'm low in spirit
I cry Lord lift me up,
I want to go higher with Thee.
But the Lord says,"There is strength in my sorrow,
and Victory in trials for me!

He leads me beside still waters
Somewhere in the valley below.
He draws me aside
to be tested and tried.
And in the valley He restoreth my soul.


It's dark as a dungeon
And the sun seldoms shines.
And I question,"Lord why must this be"
He says,"There is strength in your sorrow.
"They'll be Victory in trials ,You'll SEE!!!


I don't know if you are somewhere in the valley but I am this morning. Something so tragic has happened to such an innocent sweet person that I know. My heart is broken and life seems so cruel. I have done the only thing I know how to do that gives me comfort that lasts. It doesn't come from a bottle,pill or food. It is not about getting some fresh air or exercise. Those things can bring comfort but they are temporary and most bring side effects that aren't always pleasant. No, what I do is turn my attention to the One who knows all things. I cry on His shoulder and seek His embrace.He reassures me that His heart is broken with mine. Pain was not something He intended for His children but in a world where people have choices it happens because of selfishness,carelessness and sometimes mysterious reasons we will never understand. God's love and peace flow into my spirit and I feel strength and hope. It is a supernatural exchange that I can not explain.
My prayer for you is simple: May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, comfort you in all your troubles,so that you may comfort those in any trouble with the comfort you have recieved from God. (2 Cor.1:3-4) Please Ponder This when you are somewhere in the valley! ddlang