In the Valleys

How many times have you been in the valleys of life?
What exactly are those valleys? My definition of a valley is:
A low point in which you may wonder where God is, does He exist, why isn't He "doing something", and is He listening to your pleas? You might be angry at God in your valley! I call these valleys our crossroads of faith. We have choices when we're in the valley...choices to seek God more or turn away in bitterness and anger.
Valleys include: tragic loss, loss by illness, infidelity of a spouse, divorce, alcholism of a spouse or loved one, abuse of any kind, wayward teens, drug issues, addiction of any kind, gambling, pornography, financial distress, health problems, job stress, family dysfunction, mental illness, and the list goes on and on....been there? I have.
How do we maintain our faith stance during seasons in the valley?
BELIEVE AND EMBRACE THESE TRUTHS:
1. God is in control whether you have full understanding or not!
2. God will never leave you nor forsake you!
3. God is bigger than any situation you could be facing!
4. God is Sovereign...He can use this difficult time for something positive!
5. God is trustworthy! God is faithful! God is dependable!
6. God is...THE GREAT I AM!
7. God hears your every prayer!
8. God will bring you to a higher level of wisdom and understanding when you seek Him during these difficult trials.
It is true. This crisis of belief (or crossroads) could be a fiery trial, one that is overwhelmingly hard to endure. You will be faced with a choice in each and every valley. Remember...there's a mountain top waiting to be explored at the edge of the valley. The valley doesn't last forever....
Let me leave this post with some scriptures of hope if you're going through a valley:

Psalm 66:12 You made men ride over our heads;We went through fire and through water,Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they will not overflow you When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,Nor will the flame burn you.
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire,Refine them as silver is refined,And test them as gold is tested They will call on My name,And I will answer them;I will say, 'They are My people,'And they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'"

Grow during the valley experience....I've realized that if I never experienced those valleys, I might not have discovered how much I NEED the Lord in my life! And how much I want Him in my life. Don't turn away from Him...seek Him! Rest in Him! Trust Him! Rely on Him. He will carry you.