Mountains and Valleys
Coming Down the Mountain
We all love mountaintop moments with God—those powerful worship services, retreats, or quiet times when His presence feels undeniable. The disciples experienced that on the mountain during the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28–36). They saw Jesus’ glory revealed, His face shining, His clothes dazzling white, and heard God’s voice declare: “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him!”
But the story doesn’t end on the mountain. The very next day, Jesus and His disciples came back to reality. At the bottom of the mountain they encountered chaos, confusion, and deep need.
And that’s where most of us live: not always in the majesty of the mountain, but in the mess of the valley.
Jesus in the Valley
While we want to stay in the glory of the mountain, Jesus shows us something life-changing: His majesty is just as real in the valley.
On the mountain, we glimpse His power.
In the valley, we experience His mercy.
On the mountain, we hear His voice.
In the valley, we see His heart.
The same Jesus who was transfigured in glory is also the Jesus who steps into grief, brokenness, and spiritual battles. He doesn’t avoid our pain, He meets us in it.
Living Back to Reality
The Christian life isn’t built on fleeting emotional highs. Mountaintop moments inspire us, but they aren’t enough to sustain us. Our faith grows when we trust that the God of the mountain is also God in the valley.
When you walk into your week—your inbox, your family struggles, your health concerns—remember: the Jesus who shined in glory hasn’t changed just because life did. His majesty is the same. His mercy is near.
The mountain revealed His majesty. The valley reveals His mercy. He is the same Jesus—in the glory and in the mess.
Reflect:
When have you experienced a “mountaintop” moment with God?
Where in your life right now do you feel the chaos and need of the valley?
How can you invite Jesus into your reality instead of wishing you could stay on the mountain?
What would it look like for you to trust His majesty in the middle of your mess this week?
Pray:
Father, thank You for revealing Your majesty in the glorious moments and Your mercy in the difficult ones. Jesus, remind me that You are the same on the mountain and in the valley. When life feels heavy, help me trust that You are present, powerful, and full of compassion. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to walk with faith each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.