I was playing an electronic game of Solitary on my cell phone and won the game quickly. I wondered, “What would be the difference if I played it with Jesus?”. I had recently read a passage of Scripture that talked about our days on earth being short and we needed God’s help in making them count. I prayed about my thoughts and asked God to use the game as a teaching tool. I asked Him to please join me as I played the game.
Jesus Makes the Victory Sweeter
I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and I was feeling joy, even before I began the next game of Solitary. I was enjoying the game so much more than I had before and I had not even started playing the game. I was surprised how my focus had changed when I felt the presence of Jesus. Instead of caring about if I would win or lose the game; I cared that I was with God and could enjoy the game regardless of the outcome. I was focused on enjoying my relationship with Jesus and having Him do something with me. The victory of the second game was so much sweeter than my previous victory without Him.
The Days in the Valley
I started the third game, and I felt the Holy Spirit back off and my joy was gone. I stopped playing and questioned why do I often have joy and the closeness of the Lord some days and the next day it can be gone? After Jesus left it was like my soul was grieving the loss of God’s presence and it was like I was walking through the Valley of Death mentioned in Psalm 23. I realized, the joy of the Mountain experiences makes it so much easier to work and live, while the Valley Days are so miserable it is hard to accomplish anything as if I am going through the grieving process. I asked the Lord, “How do I get the comfort and strength I need from You during my days in the Valley?”.
Jesus Understands
The thought crossed my mind that Jesus understands that type of grief of the soul. He was cut off from God our Father for the first time as Jesus took upon Himself our sin. His soul grieved the loss of God the Father and the Holy Spirit. To finish His work on the Cross, Jesus had to rely on the truth and promises of our Father God. I told Jesus how grateful I was for His personal sacrifice on my behalf. I felt empathy for Jesus and wanted to cry for Him and then He reminded me that He also feels empathy for me. I felt His peace and comfort as I told Him how grateful I was.
I Need God’s Comfort
Jesus brought to mind my weekly Bible Study Group where I am learning about the names, titles and attributes of God and another monthly Bible Study Group where I study how the Scripture relates to my life. Both Bible Study Groups challenge me to prayerfully look at how God is active in my life and how Scripture pertains to all of us specifically. During group Bible Studies, I am also blessed and equipped through the testimony of others. God uses these times of study and growth to prepare and equip me for hard times in the Valley. I know I can rely on the love, truth and promises of our Father God as Jesus did on the cross.
Scriptures and Prayers
The Scriptures and prayers are for our comfort, growth and strength. In the Valley lows we need to remember the truth in the Scriptures, our relationship with God, experiences and the faithfulness of God. We must remember the low points are temporary and God can use them for His purpose. We need the Scriptures to be prayerfully internalized within our heart and mind. When we pray about the Scriptures we read and study; the Holy Spirit helps to write them onto our heart and mind.
God is With Us Always
God is always with us, and He hears our prayer even when we do not feel His presence. I remember a time many years ago when I was grieving and was so despondent that I could only pray with tears and moans. Sometimes we just don’t have the strength to pick up a Bible and pray thoughtful prayers. I know God heard my prayer even when I did not have the words to pray. I had to rely on what I had learned and knew to be true. My faith was tested and afterwards I was grateful that God was always with me. God strengthened me and got me through the dark times. He helped me remember that our times of affliction are temporary and only a moment compared to our time in Eternity with Him.
Prayer for Comfort and Strength
Lord God Almighty, sanctify me through Christ Jesus according to Your will. Bless me that I will always seek and find my comfort and strength in You. When I walk through the Valley lows in this world, help me remember the Mountain experiences with You. Bring to my mind Your Word of Truth and Comfort. Help me put on my Armour of God and renew my strength. Father, bless all of my days that I will have the sweet victory of Your success in Christ Jesus. Help me learn to wait on You so I can also rise up with the wings of an Eagle and soar above the chaos of this world and be a comfort to others. Be glorified and honored through us Your children and disciples in Christ Jesus. Amen.