Clearing the Way: Low Valleys and High Mountains
Scripture
Luke 3:5–6 (KJV)
“Every valley shall be filled, And every mountain and hill shall be brought low; And the crooked shall be made straight, And the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Devotion
John quotes Isaiah: when the Lord comes, the terrain changes. Valleys filled. Mountains lowered. Crooked made straight. Rough made smooth. Pastor presses this: God isn’t asking you to pretend the valleys and mountains aren’t there—He’s promising to deal with them.
Valleys: low places of discouragement, depression, shame, failure.
Mountains: daunting challenges, sins that feel unbreakable, callings that feel too high.
Crooked paths: confusion, not knowing what’s next, feeling like life twists unpredictably.
Rough roads: painful seasons, “ripple strips” on your soul.
When the King comes, He prepares a highway. He doesn’t always remove every circumstance, but He changes your ability to pass through. His presence fills your low places with hope. His lordship humbles your pride and levels your impossible mountains. His wisdom straightens what you can’t see around. His peace smooths your rough roads.
Your voice has a part in this. Pastor Darren challenges us to stop using our mouths to agree with defeat—“I can’t win; I’ll never see it happen”—and instead to align our words with God’s promise. When your tongue joins His word, you’re partnering with Him in making paths straight.
Reflection
Luke 3:5–6 (KJV)
“Every valley shall be filled, And every mountain and hill shall be brought low; And the crooked shall be made straight, And the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Devotion
John quotes Isaiah: when the Lord comes, the terrain changes. Valleys filled. Mountains lowered. Crooked made straight. Rough made smooth. Pastor presses this: God isn’t asking you to pretend the valleys and mountains aren’t there—He’s promising to deal with them.
Valleys: low places of discouragement, depression, shame, failure.
Mountains: daunting challenges, sins that feel unbreakable, callings that feel too high.
Crooked paths: confusion, not knowing what’s next, feeling like life twists unpredictably.
Rough roads: painful seasons, “ripple strips” on your soul.
When the King comes, He prepares a highway. He doesn’t always remove every circumstance, but He changes your ability to pass through. His presence fills your low places with hope. His lordship humbles your pride and levels your impossible mountains. His wisdom straightens what you can’t see around. His peace smooths your rough roads.
Your voice has a part in this. Pastor Darren challenges us to stop using our mouths to agree with defeat—“I can’t win; I’ll never see it happen”—and instead to align our words with God’s promise. When your tongue joins His word, you’re partnering with Him in making paths straight.
Reflection
- Identify one “valley” and one “mountain” you’re facing right now. Write them down.
- How have you been talking about those situations—to yourself, to others, to God? Are your words filled with despair, fear, or faith?
- Pray through Luke 3:5–6 and Proverbs 3:5–6 over those specific areas. Out loud, declare: “Lord, I trust You. Make my paths straight. Fill my low places and level my high ones.”