Deep Dark Valleys of Life
By Joe Sturz
Shenandoah, Virginia
Dear Friend,
I learn much more in the deep dark valleys of life than I do in the bright mountain-top experiences. The mountain top experiences often puff up my pride and set me up for a fall (Isaiah 2:17; Romans 11:20-22). In the valleys of losses, crosses, and defeats I learn the painful lessons of humility that stick with me. Growth experiences come in my trials and tribulations. (James 1:2-6) while temptations to be prideful and backslide often come in my successes (Proverbs 16:18;I Corinthians 8:1-3; James 4:6). In the Lord’s plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10) He knows just what I need and when and how to teach me the humility to develop my character (Proverbs 13:18; Galatians 5:22-25).
So let us rely on God’s rod and staff to comfort us when we go through our “valleys” (Psalms 23:4; knowing that all that happens to us as we obey the Lord will be for our good (Romans 8:28; Hebrews 12:6). So when God in His love chastises us (Proverbs 3:11-13) and allows humiliations to come our way (Job 1:1-22) let us commit to humble ourselves as we pray for the grace of humility (Psalm 51:1-13). Let us remind ourselves we are hell-deserving sinners and deserve much worse! (Job 42:1-6; Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:3; Ephesians 2:1-2).
Brother Joe “humbled in the valleys” Sturz Thursday, July 1, 2021, www.sturzchristiancounseling.com Sharing what the Lord has taught me through: His Word, my mistakes, failures, and successes, and 47+ years as a Biblical counselor in my short, daily Bible messages on my Facebook Timeline and Sturz Christian Counseling Group. Seeking to apply all of the Bible to all of life. If they help you understand the Bible better and you would like to read more of them then click on “Like” and please share them with friends. If you want to receive them by email then send a request to my email joesturz80@gmail.com
To become a Christian you must believe in Jesus Christ the God-man (John 3:16) and the saving work He did shedding His blood on the Roman cross (I Corinthians 2:2; 15:3-4) as the only way to God and His heaven (John 14:6). Jesus suffered and died on the cross to take the holy God’s just and fair punishment due to the sins of His people and remove their sinful guilt. Therefore satisfying the Holy God’s justice and allowing Him to be merciful and forgive their sins without violating His justice. God raised His Son Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day showing His acceptance of His Son’s sacrifice in their place and so secured for them a place in heaven (I Corinthians 15:1-4, 12-24; Romans 4:25; 5:1).
Confess to God the Father and turn from your sins and accept His Son Jesus Christ’s person and work for you personally and have His forgiveness (I John 1:9).
Now you will want to Live in obedience to Him and His Word: active, serving, and accountable in a Bible-believing church from now on (John 8:31-32; Hebrews 10:22-26).
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Joe Sturz is a Christian counselor at Sturz Christian Counseling Service and lives in Page County, Virginia. You can learn more at www.sturzchristiancounseling.com. Joe has a passion for ministering to people with problems and sharing what the Lord has taught him through: His Word, his (Joe’s) mistakes, failures and successes and over 47 years as a Biblical counselor applying all of the Bible to all of life in daily messages on Facebook and email.
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