Life is full of ups and downs, of peaks and troughs, of mountaintops and valleys. For many of us, we may feel like we are in the valley right now. But as Billy Graham once said “Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.”
So often people want to live on the mountaintop. Don’t we all love the mountaintop experiences? They are fulfilling, and exciting, and joyful. But mountaintops are really for the view and for inspiration. Fruit doesn’t grow on the mountaintops. Fruit grows in the depth of the valleys.
In the midst of our struggles, God is producing fruit in us. He is strengthening us, refining our hearts and preparing us for purpose.
When we are in the valley, there is no place to look but up. Sometimes that is when we can see what God is doing the most clearly. Sometimes when we are in the valley, we can’t see what He is doing, but we can most clearly see our need for Him.
So if you are going through a difficult time right now, be encouraged that God never wastes our pain, ever. The Bible says that what the enemy intended for harm, God will use for good (Genesis 50:20).
So if you are in the valley right now, know that it serves a purpose. That’s where the fruit grows.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. you honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:4-6 (NLT)
Jesus said:“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” John 15: 1-4 (NLT)
Below is a beautiful poem written by Jane Eggleston which reminds us that is it in the valley that we grow.
It’s In The Valley I Grow
Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valley I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountaintops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am sure of one thing,
My Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for the valleys, Lord
for this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious,
But it’s in the valley I grow.