Mountain Top Living – Fantasy or Reality

Does the Bible (meaning “does God”) promise a life free of challenges and deep, dark, treacherous valleys?  Is it possible to live from mountain top to mountain top?  If I am not living on a mountaintop, what does that say about my faith? Mountain top living – fantasy or reality?

Mountain Top Living Is Not Promised

The Bible does not promise a life without valleys or challenges. It consistently teaches that trials and hardships are a normal part of the journey in life, Christ follower or not.

John 16:33a NIV

In this world you will have trouble.

James 1:2 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

Notice, along with other scripture that correlates, that it doesn’t say “if” you are facing difficult circumstances or trials. But He says WHEN you happen to be in a valley or when you are facing a trial.

Wouldn’t it be nice to never experience a valley, a trial, circumstances, storms, or difficult situations? Of course, it would be nice! But that is just living in a fantasy. Check out my post The Strength Of A Tree.

Remember that we live in a sinful and broken world. Unless you live isolated in a cave your whole life or bury your head in the ground, you will experience the challenges that this broken world throws at you even if you were perfect. Also, know that it is not biblical to isolate yourself from others and live alone in a cave. It is also not biblical to be like an Ostrich…and bury your head, talents, or gifts.

Under The Circumstances

I remember my spiritual mentor John telling me once about a friend sharing with him. This friend, in answering John about how he was doing, answered, “I am doing pretty good under the circumstances.” John replied, “What are you doing under there?”

Just because we have trials, temptations, challenges, valleys, and storms doesn’t mean we have to be defeated by them. It also doesn’t mean that you are lacking in who you are in Christ, in your faith.

You can be living your life in the steps of Jesus while singing, “It is well, with my soul” when out of the blue, a crazy NASCAR driver cuts you off in traffic. Or maybe you are sitting at home deep in the word of God, and suddenly, a tornado or earthquake happens. And it might not be the natural Mother Earth type…maybe it’s the chaotic neighbors creating the tornado or earthquake. Nonetheless, you have a situation on your hands.

Your Choice – What Will The Outcome Be?

Here is a good place to pause and read The R Factor. After reading that, let me share a few verses from the Word of God:

John 16:33b NIV (emphasis on the second part of the verse)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

James 1:3-4 NIV (in followup to James 1:2 mentioned above)

…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Psalm 23:4 NIV (no fear but pure trust)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Even Jesus Experienced Challenges

Amid the storms of life (i.e., on the boat with the disciples while it was storming), Jesus centered Himself on who He was and on the Word of God. Yes, He had challenges. But He walked with the Father through them. He did not allow the circumstances to control the outcome.

Scripture reassures Christ’s followers that God is present in every season, providing strength, guidance, and growth through life’s challenges. And through it all, we can fully trust (and not be in fear) that He has our backs. Fear is the opposite of love. So do you love (trust) Him, or are you in fear (not fully trusting or loving Him)?

The Mountaintop experience isn’t you living all of life on a mountain top. It is when you are with Him. This is when you learn to walk with Him through the valleys of life. And though you are in a valley, you have total peace (trust and love) as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. For He is with you!

So maybe the mountain top life is not a myth. It is possible to be WITH Him no matter the storm, trial, circumstances, or tests of life. It’s about being with Him, fully trusting and loving Him, no matter how hard or bad it seems.

1 John 4:18a NIV

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, 

While the Bible does not promise a life free from valleys, it does promise that God will be with us, using those difficult moments for our good and His glory. He also promises peace and provision.  What God doesn’t say is that we will be abandoned or alone when we are not on the mountaintop.  And He does not say, “Good luck while you are in the valley and I’ll hopefully see you on the other side.”  True “mountain top living” in a biblical sense is not about avoiding valleys, but about walking through them with Jesus.  In doing so we can be assured that it will lead to growth and greater intimacy with God.

Life’s valleys are not a sign of failure or abandonment by God. They are places of growth, testing, and preparation for a greater purpose – the true mountaintop experience!

Challenge of the Week:

Life’s valleys are unavoidable, but with God, they are never wasted. They shape you for greater things, draw you closer to Him, and prepare you to help others who are walking through their own valleys. Pick that greatest challenge you are currently up against. Now seek God through His Word and through Godly counsel. Now walk through the valley with Jesus and be a world-overcomer, God’s way! So be it.

Additional Encouragement

Lean on God’s Strength, Not Your Own

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

• Rely on God’s power through prayer, scripture, and worship. His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Seek God’s Purpose in the Valley

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

• Instead of asking “Why me?” ask “What is God teaching me?” Valleys can refine your character, deepen your faith, and prepare you for greater things.

Surround Yourself with Godly Encouragement

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

• Stay connected to a community of believers who can uplift, pray, and support you. Don’t isolate yourself during the challenges of life.

Worship and Give Thanks Even in the Valley

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

• Worship shifts your focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. Gratitude cultivates faith and reminds you of God’s past faithfulness.

Hold on to the Hope of the Mountain Top

Psalm 30:5

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

• Every valley has an end. God will bring you through stronger, wiser, and closer to Him. Keep your eyes on His promises.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”