“For this is what the high and exalted One says – He who lives forever who’s name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15 NIV)
About a year ago I read a book that asked me to draw out a timeline of my life. The author requested that I plot out the high points and the low points, the achievements as well as the setbacks. She further instructed that I assign lessons learned in each season (insofar as I could remember.) For me, at least, the results were fascinating. Four decades filled four pages with a rollercoaster of sorts. I could, for the first time, clearly identify seasons and I could document my spiritual growth.
What I saw with startling clarity was God’s presence and redemption in it all. I could see Him standing with me on the highest of hills but I could also just as easily find Him in the valleys. More than just presence (which is an awesome gift in itself!) I could detect strong overtones of purpose. My rollercoaster isn’t random or unattended. No, it is, in fact, expertly engineered and overseen. There is a route, a skillfully designed experience and a destination I’m moving toward.
I wonder, if I feel that way at forty, how I’ll feel at fifty? At sixty? I hope my confidence in His sovereignty and presence only continues to gain glorious momentum as I look for Him in the hills and valleys of my story.
What about you, dear reader? Does your story feel random and unattended? Have you taken the time to write out your personal history and systematically search your ups and downs for the steady presence and purpose of the living God? If not, I highly recommend Alicia Britt Chole’s Sacred Slow. She’ll lead you through this process and it’s my prayer that you might also find some clarity.
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8 NIV)
Lord, we can’t always see Your with-ness in real time but when we look back, Your footprints tell the full story. Give us the courage to turn our heads, to examine our timeline with eyes wide open. Help us see Your presence and hints of purpose in every season. Thank You for walking with us over hills and through valleys. Amen.