Deuteronomy 11

“But the land you are entering to possess is a land of mountains and valleys, watered by rain from the sky. It is a land the Lord your God cares for. He is always watching over it from the beginning to the end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:11-12 (HCSB)

When people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, their lives are transformed. They cease to become slaves to sin, and they begin a new life as children of God, co-inheritors with Messiah. We call that transformation, “Salvation” or “Deliverance.”

Israel was delivered from homelessness and saved from slavery and oppression. From out of Egypt, they were led (for the first time) into their own homeland. It was an inheritance secured by God’s promise to their forefathers.

If you asked an Israelite at that time, “Are you saved?” He’d answer, “Yes!” If you asked, “Have you been delivered?” He’d answer, “Absolutely!” And he’d be right in saying so. If you asked if he had seen both great trouble and great victory at the hand of God, the Israelite would also answer in the affirmative, “God was with us in the mountains and the valleys!”

Today’s verse in Deuteronomy 11 is a sober reminder that there will be “Mountains and Valleys.” We will have good times as well as bad ones. I once heard a man say, “We were created to live between Bethel and Ai. That is, we cannot sustain either spiritual “highs or “lows.” God teaches and tests us at both ends of the spiritual spectrum, but men (in this World) are not suited to reside in either.

Today’s verse is a gracious reminder that whether we are high on the mountain or down in the valley, God is there. He cares about us, so He cares for us. He is always here and watches over us. He is all-powerful, so He is mighty to save us. He is all-knowing, so He knows how to care for us. Finally, His character never changes so that we can depend on Him.

Each year may present both great spiritual moments and times we would rather forget. Still, the Lord is ever-present and ever-caring. He is Holy, Merciful, and Gracious. Perhaps, now is a good time to praise Him!