So how is your relationship with God going? I want you to be honest with yourself. Don’t just look at the outward appearance that others see, but look at the real you. Sometimes this is a painful place to visit because things aren’t exactly as you want them between you and God. Other times you are on the mountaintop just waiting on God to continually pour more of Himself out on you. No matter where you are on this spectrum, it’s always wise to do an evaluation quite frequently. That way if there is an issue, then you can take care of things before they go too far.

Our life is a journey. It’s made up of many types of days, so keep in mind there are going to be peaks and valleys. It’s a crazy mindset to think that we’re always going to be on the mountaintop with God all of the time. That’s just not going to happen. Life has a way of showing up. You’re not going to “feel” God the same way in the valley as you do on the mountaintop, so stop being so hard on yourself. You need to be pursuing Him in relationship and doing those things that help you to continue growing in relationship, such as Bible reading, prayer, etc., but stop beating yourself up if it’s a struggle. Satan wants to make you think that you are a horrible person because of these valley times, but that’s not what God thinks about you. You are His precious and beautiful creation whom He loves more than you’ll ever be able to comprehend.

Be honest with God. Pour out your heart to Him. He understands all that you’re going through better than anyone else. He’s not there to make you feel any shame from being in this place. He wants you to be overwhelmed by His love. Your relationship with God is more than the things that you do for Him. It’s about living in a continual awareness of His presence all day long. It’s about knowing that He loves you on your bad days just as much as He loves you on your good days, so stop condemning yourself. You aren’t a bad person. You are a person that is living true and honest to themself.

Never is there a time that we’re hiding anything from God. It didn’t work in the garden with Adam and Eve, and it won’t work with us now. Every thought and feeling is open and exposed to Him. We live in a raw sense of relationship with Him. We might be able to cover up with others that our relationship with God is top notch, but God knows our heart, so stop living a lie with God. This never works. We’re only fooling ourselves.

So let me encourage you if you are in a valley experience with God. You probably feel all alone and as if God doesn’t really care. You feel as if you aren’t growing in relationship with Him. You just can’t see where He’s going with all of this. This time is confusing to you, but there is hope. There will be mountaintop experiences again. This isn’t your final destination. You just cannot give up. That’s what Satan wants you to do, but it’s just not worth it. This too shall pass, so hold onto those things that are life giving and vital to your relationship with God. Hold on, and don’t let go. You’re going to make it through. God’s not done with you, beautiful child of God!