“ … Thus says the LORD, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The LORD is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’” 1 Kings 20:28b (ESV)

Years ago, I was preparing for a meeting at work. This meeting was different from the ones I had attended in the past when I could just grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable in my seat. 

This time, I was leading it.

As a new supervisor, I was especially nervous. Unfortunately, I wasn’t announcing any big raises or longer breaks at this particular meeting. Instead, there were some specific policy changes that needed to be addressed with my team.

I remember praying and asking God to guide me as I formulated a plan. I asked Him to give me the words to say. I also interceded for my team that God would prepare their hearts to receive the changes.

The morning came, and so did the butterflies in my stomach. I whispered another prayer as I walked into the room. With my notes in my shaking hands and a voice to match, I started the meeting. Eventually, the nerves subsided, and the conversation flowed. Thankfully, when it was all said and done, it went better than I could have ever expected.

Later, I told someone how well the meeting turned out. When I mentioned I had prayed for it, this person replied, “I don’t think God really cares about this kind of stuff. He’s got bigger stuff to deal with.”

I just smiled, but my heart knew differently.

In 1 Kings 20, an opposing army was getting ready to fight Israel. Their strategy was simple … “And the servants of the king of Syria said to him, ‘Their gods are gods of the hills, and so they were stronger than we. But let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they’” (1 Kings 20:23, ESV).

The Syrians had put God in a box and were convinced He would be around for the battles on the hills, but not on the plains.

They were wrong.

“And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Because the Syrians have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,’ therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord”’” (1 Kings 20:28).

Throughout Scripture, we see God was wherever His people needed Him to be.

• When Adam and Eve were hiding in the garden, feeling the shame of their sin, God came to walk with them.
• It may have started with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, but before long, there was someone else there who appeared to be the “son of the gods” according to the pagan king (Daniel 3:25, ESV).
• The woman at the well was trying to avoid the stares of the community but encountered the Savior instead.

And that hasn’t changed.

“Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? If I go up to heaven, you’re there! If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too! If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting! Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.” Psalm 139:7-11 (TPT)

No battle is too big. Diagnosis. Marital struggles. Infertility. Prodigal child. Job loss.

No battle is too small. Allergies. Disagreements. Babies who won’t sleep through the night. Work meetings.

He is a God of the hills, the plains and everything in between.

Dear Lord, thank You for the reassurance that everything that happens to me matters to You. You are a good Father who loves me beyond what I can even comprehend. Help me to always come to You with faith, knowing that nothing is too small or too big for You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Psalm 73:23, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (ESV)

RELATED RESOURCES

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “How do I trust God with certainty when my situation seems so uncertain?” You aren’t alone! Join us for our next 6-week Online Bible Study of Trustworthy: Overcoming Our Greatest Struggles to Trust God by Lysa TerKeurst. The study begins TODAY, January 20, but it’s not too late for you to sign up! You can register here for free today.

Find out more about Trustworthy, and purchase your copy here. 

REFLECT AND RESPOND

When has God moved in your life in an unexpected way? What areas of your life can you surrender to Him that you haven’t before? Share with us in the comments section!

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