God of the Hills and Valleys
Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien
“... This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD’” (1 Kings 20:28, NIV).
Have you ever gone through a season when life seemed to change faster than you could handle?
That's how I felt when my phone buzzed with alerts about a Category 5 storm heading straight toward people I love, and my mind wouldn’t slow down. Just days later, though, my emotions shifted to celebration as two unanswered prayers became reality almost simultaneously. Then my heart dropped again when I got a call that my mom was in the hospital with no immediate answers. And by the end of the week, my husband and I were sitting in the emergency room with our younger daughter.
Whew! High. Low. High. Low.
Friend, maybe your life lately hasn’t looked exactly like mine, but you know the rhythm. One moment you’re at the peak of life, thanking God — the next moment you’re in a valley, asking Him, What is happening right now?
My recent experience brought me back to 1 Kings 20:28:
“...This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.’”
At the time when King Ahab of Israel heard this prophecy from God, it was common for pagans to believe that gods had specific domains. The enemies of the Israelites believed God had power only in certain places like "the hills," as though His victories were limited to geography or visible moments of strength.
But God made it clear this assumption was wrong. He does not operate that way. His presence is not confined or restricted, and His power is not limited, seasonal, or situational. He is just as present in the valley as He is on the hill.
To me, this became a gentle reminder that God’s presence is not tied to my circumstances. His peace does not rise and fall with my situation, and His love does not depend on whether I am celebrating or simply surviving.
If I’m being transparent, my life doesn’t always reflect this truth. Sometimes I praise God louder when things are going well and have a harder time recognizing Him when they’re not. And yet He remains unchanged.
The beauty of it all is that God invites us to meet Him in every place. Not only is He there for us when life is good or when it makes sense, but He's also right in the middle of our pain. We can seek Him wherever we are because that’s where He already is.
Lord, thank You for being the same in every season of my life. Help me trust You to be just as present in the valleys as You are on the hills. No matter what I face, may I always root my heart in Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Every morning, thousands of women open First 5 with one simple desire: to spend time with God before the demands of the day begin. That happens because friends like you make it possible through your support. But as we approach our September 30 financial year-end, there is still a funding gap to close — and your help is vital. Would you prayerfully consider a financial year-end gift today? Your gift today helps ensure more women can experience the daily encouragement and biblical teaching of First 5 and all the resources of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
ENGAGE
Feeling unsteady in this season? Download your free copy of “Peace in the Hills and Valleys” to discover a simple way to find peace when life feels uncertain. This guide will help you refocus your heart and ground yourself in truth. Click here to get your copy.
For additional resources to encourage, equip, and elevate you on your faith journey, connect with Dr. Avril on her website or follow her on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (NIV).
Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (NIV).
Where have you recently experienced both “hills” and “valleys”? Where do you find it more difficult to recognize God’s presence? What would shift if you truly believed God is present in your valley? Share with us in the comments!
GO DEEPER:
Image credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/JazzLove
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
