I’ve been in this place at least 10,000 times. Yet again I find myself fighting the same battles I thought I overcame years ago. In the valleys of life the state of our heart is revealed and sometimes I am ashamed of how ugly my thoughts and emotions can be. There are times it feels like being a Christian is too hard and sin looks attractive. In my weakness it seems easier to simply live according to my momentary pleasures.  It is a real tug-a-war of wanting to be bitter and angry at God, and of knowing deep within me that Jesus is my only hope and I cannot imagine living life without Him.

I am sure I’m not the only one who finds myself in this place sometimes, for we all have our hurts in life, our unfulfilled longings, our deep insecurities, and our ongoing struggle with our sinful heart.

I’ve been in this place at least 10,000 more times when I’m reminded of how faithful and boundless the love of God is. He doesn’t leave me in my filth because He doesn’t let His children stray away too far. The Lord is patient as He comforts my broken heart, and He covers my shame with His perfection. The love of God is unshakeable. Those who have been redeemed by Christ won’t ever find themselves abandoned. Our Savior loses not even one of His own. I belong to Jesus and even my foolishness won’t threaten that security. The Lord is always so kind to meet failure with His bountiful grace. He is able to create clean hearts and to restore the joy of salvation. The Lord will once again strengthen my weak heart and prove 10,000 more times how good it is to walk with Jesus through all the valleys of life. 

I’m realizing that it worth walking through another 10,000 battles and valleys if it means I come to know the love and grace of Jesus more deeply.  Jesus is the precious jewel that is worth giving up everything for and to give into the fleeting pleasures of sin would be foolish for He alone is the source of satisfaction. Only Jesus offers the Words of life; where else could any of us turn?