Tag: Value

Perspectives From the Valley

Today, I found myself reflecting on Lamentations 2-4. These chapters are heavy with sorrow, painting a vivid picture of Israel’s suffering. Yet, amid the devastation, one idea struck me: tragedy has a way of bringing into sudden and sharp focus what is truly valuable. It’s ironic, isn’t it? In our darkest moments, when everything seems lost, we begin to see clearly what really matters.

When life is smooth and everything is going our way, it’s easy to get caught up in the trivial. We chase after comfort, success, and fleeting pleasures. But when tragedy strikes—when we hit rock bottom—those things suddenly lose their luster. What we once valued pales in comparison to the deeper truths that emerge from the shadows.

It’s in the valley, surrounded by darkness, that we can truly appreciate the majesty of the peak. The struggles we face strip away our illusions, leaving us with a clearer view of God’s faithfulness, the importance of relationships, and the strength that comes from enduring hardship.

This is the paradox of pain: it refines our perspective, helping us to see what we couldn’t when life was easy. It’s only when we’ve been brought low that we can fully appreciate the heights of God’s love and grace.

So, if you find yourself in a valley, don’t despair. This may be the moment when you finally see what really matters. Let the hardships bring clarity, and trust that God is leading you through the valley to a place where you can better appreciate the beauty of the peak.

What is Your Value to God?

“What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless?” (Job 22:3, NIV) The previous questions are part of Eliphaz’s third response to Job. A response in which Eliphaz goes on to tell the grieving Job that there is no limit to his sins, before rattling off a litany of misdeeds Job is likely to have committed to earn such wrath from God.

But the questions remain; What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless?

God knew, like Eliphaz implies, that no human could achieve these things under their own power. The entanglement of sin is too great. But that only underscores the value God sees in our righteousness, in our blamelessness.

And His desire for us to hold this status was so great that He had to intervene and do something about it. This is exactly what Jesus’ death and resurrection sought to accomplish. His work made us righteous. His punishment rendered us blameless. So, what then does it pleasure or benefit God if these things were true?

You!

God loves you more than you can know. He literally died to make a way for you. Don’t let Satan, or the circumstances of life, or highly questionable council from friends distract you from this fact. And more than that, don’t leave God’s gift unopened or unused. Devote yourself to His teachings, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Submit your life to God.

Job 22-25 | 025/365