God of the Hills

God is the God of the hills and the valleys. Ahab, the king of Israel, learned this when he faced the Syrian army. Even though the enemy army looked to be more powerful, the Lord told Ahab through a prophet that if he would be obedient, he would win the battle on the hill. Ahab did as he was directed, and the opposing army was defeated (I Kings 20:13-21 NKJV).

The prophet came to Ahab again, warning him that the Syrian army would be back in the spring. Because the Israelites lived in the valleys, the enemy's plan this time was to attack in the valley because their king had been told, "Their gods are gods of the hills. Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we fight against them in the plain [valley], surely we will be stronger than they" (v. 23).

That attitude must have challenged God, for He told Ahab, "Because the Syrians have said, 'The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,' therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord" (v. 28). And God gave the Israelites their second victory over the Syrians.

There are times in our lives when we find ourselves facing the enemy on high hills, and we are wondrously victorious. But there are also times when we encounter the enemy in the darkest valleys, and we're tempted to be fearful. But God's Word assures us that we need not be afraid because our God is the God of the hills and the valleys. He is with us at all times and in all places to fight for us.

My Declaration of Faith for Today

No matter where I am, God is with me to fight my battles.