Hi folks I hope you have had a decent week? This week we return to our regular gathering, meeting in the Tynemouth Castle Inn on the seafront near the Sea Life Centre, beginning at 7.30. It would be great to see you if you are able to come along.
Last weekend as part of our pattern we had an away day and had a wander between Wall and Heavenfield… It was a canny walk, although the start was a bit of a climb! Thanks Pete! Once we were up on to the top there were still a few adventures along the way, navigating stiles and cows… ohhhh the cows, and when we arrived at the field near Heavenfield, Pete still thought we had a way to go… It was a lush day.
Sometimes, life can feel like a hike. One moment you’re standing on a mountain top, wind in your hair, feeling like you could take on the world! The next moment you’re in the valley—mud on your boots, midges buzzing in your ears, and wondering if you’ll ever make it out alive. Spiritually speaking, that is what our walk with the divine can sometimes look like.
The Bible is full of mountains and valleys, both literal and symbolic. Mountains often represent those moments when God feels especially close:
- Moses climbed Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:20).
- Jesus was transfigured (whatever that means)! on a high mountain, His glory shining brighter than the sun (Matthew 17:1-2).
- And the psalmist said, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1-2).
Mountains can be those “aha!” moments when you may sense that your prayers are being answered, or that faith feels strong, and you want to sing or shout at the top of your voice with an expression of Yesss!
But then there are the valleys. Oh, the valleys. Nobody posts Instagram pictures captioned “#Blessed” whilst walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). Valleys are messy. They’re where doubts creep in, prayers feel unanswered, and spirituality feels dry—like Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37).
And yet, time and time again, the bible shows us that God is just as present in the valleys as on the mountaintops.
In fact, valleys can be places of surprising transformation. Hosea 2:15 says, “I will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.” That means even in our lowest places, God is capable of opening unexpected doors of grace, growth, and new beginnings.
Here’s the good news: The Divine is not limited by geography. They are the God of the mountains and the valleys (1 Kings 20:28). They meets us in the highs, sometimes with breathtaking revelation, and they walk with us in the lows with steady, sustaining love. Both are necessary, because while mountains inspire us, it’s usually in the valleys that we truly learn to trust in the Divine.
So, whether you’re singing on the mountaintop or sighing in the valley, or trying to avoid the cows! Remember this: you are never alone on the journey. And unlike that one friend who insists on taking “shortcuts” on a hike that actually add 2 miles, or with the often underestimated miles of how long the hike actually is… (You know who you are) God, The Divine, always knows the path.
Questions
- If your spiritual life were a hike right now, would you describe it as:
(A) Standing triumphantly on the peak, arms raised, dramatic movie soundtrack playing?
(B) Huffing and puffing halfway up, wondering if you packed enough snacks?
(C) Lost in the valley, arguing with your GPS app that says “recalculating” for the 15th time?
- When was the last time you experienced a “mountaintop moment” with God—where their presence felt especially clear or powerful?
- Think about a “valley season” in your life. How did you experience the Divines presence, even if it wasn’t obvious at the time?
- Which is harder for you personally: trusting God in the valleys or remembering to praise Him on the mountaintops? Why?
- How might your current season—whether high or low—be shaping your faith and teaching you something new?
- To ponder: Who could you encourage today—someone who might be trudging through a valley and needs a reminder that the Divine is with them?
Peace Rob
Photo Rob Wylie
Rob Wylie is the founder of BeachcomberFX and guides its leadership team. He has worked in the North East for over 20 years and has vast experience from various roles he has held. He has a passion for Fresh Expressions of Church and Pioneer Ministry as well as beer, beaches and Miniature Schnauzers.
Comments 1
Hope to make it,Rob.