Anchored in God: Lessons From the Valleys

When the Soul Feels Heavy: Walking Through Spiritual Desolation

The other day, I was talking with a friend and she encouraged me to write down the things I was processing out loud. So here I am, writing them down.

What is the spiritual journey?
What does soul growth look like?
How can we remain a light in the world while moving through the depths and the darkness?
And what is most important when we are feeling deeply connected to God?

These are just a few of the questions I’ve been asking myself along the way. My heart longs to remain humble in times of lightness, and rooted in faith during the times of darkness. One truth I keep returning to is this: things are always changing. Life is shifting, moving, and at times it can feel like chaos or uncertainty.

How blessed are we, though, if we can move through the darkness and heaviness of this world with faith, ease, and grace.

It’s no secret that life is full of fluctuations. There are moments when we feel deeply connected, overflowing with love and gratitude. These are the moments of God’s grace. But what I am beginning to realize more and more is that humility is at the heart of soul growth—learning to sink into the ebb and flow of our own becoming.

I’m beginning to see that the “bad times” may actually be some of the best times, if we move through them with care, connection to God, and grace. I know, I know—you may be rolling your eyes, thinking “this girl…” But hear me out.

It’s in the so-called bad times that we lean in. We seek connection, answers, clarity, and change. We press in with soul fire, moving through the places within ourselves that call for faith, trust, and surrender.

Here are three questions that have been anchoring me as I learn to carry light through darkness:

1. How do you stay steady in your light while the world feels full of darkness?

I’ve learned that there is a spiritual war all around us. It is vital to remain anchored in holy discernment—aware of what we allow in and what we cast out.

2. Why does nothing in this world feel steady or stable?

I’ve learned that God alone is the steady force. Just as the earth moves through cycles and seasons, so must we. These fluctuations build strength, resilience, and faith. We are forged in fire and anointed by oil—remembering that oil itself is formed under pressure.

3. How do we trust the good moments, knowing trials will inevitably come?

I’ve learned humility. Gratitude for the beauty of now. Letting joy wash over me without fear of tomorrow. Every moment of praise both softens and strengthens the heart.

Three months ago, I made the decision to be baptized in the ocean. And now that day is almost here. One week from this Sunday, I’ll step into the water and publicly declare what my soul already knows: I belong to God.

Since then, life has tested me in unexpected ways. I’ve felt the fire, the stretching, and the refining of faith. This morning, as I sat in my devotional space, I opened the book of James and read:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 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.” — James 1:2–4

Later, as sunlight poured over me, I realized: I’ve been asking hard questions, and God has been answering them in the fire.

And through it all, I am reminded: the battle is not mine. It has already been won.

Walking through fire hasn’t destroyed me—it’s anchored me. It’s made me resilient. It’s made me love harder, deeper. It’s made me more steady in the only thing that never changes: God.

A Short Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for meeting me in the fire and refining my heart. As I prepare for my baptism of Spirit, help me walk steady in Your light, knowing the victory is already mine in You. Amen.