Tauren Wells - Hills and Valleys Lyrics
Lyrics
I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place
And I have held the blessings
God, you give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
I've watched my dreams get broken
In you I hope again!
No matter what I know
Know I'm safe inside Your hand
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
(On the mountains, I will bow my life, yeah)
(In the valley, I will lift my eyes, yeah!)
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there (to the one who set me there)
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
And I will choose to say "Blessed be Your name, yeah, yeah"
And I am not alone
Video
Tauren Wells - Hills and Valleys (Acoustic Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Tauren Wells’ "Hills and Valleys," released on June 23, 2017, as part of the *Hills and Valleys (Deluxe Edition)* album, quickly established itself as a foundational piece in modern worship. This song delves into the profound, universal human experience of navigating life's unpredictable landscape, articulating a powerful message of unwavering faith and divine sovereignty through every twist and turn. It is a declaration that the God who reigns in triumph is the same God intimately present in tribulation, making it a source of profound encouragement for countless individuals seeking solace and strength.
The narrative of "Hills and Valleys" begins with a deeply personal recounting of life's extremes, mirroring the psalmist’s honest expressions of joy and sorrow. The opening lines paint a picture of enduring both profound suffering and joyous blessings, acknowledging moments of walking "among the shadows" and feeling "the pain of heartbreak," yet also experiencing "brighter days." This candid admission of human vulnerability and resilience sets the stage for the song’s core theological statement: "God, you give and take away." This phrase directly references the Book of Job (Job 1:21), where Job, after losing everything, famously declares, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." It's a challenging truth that resonates deeply, reminding us that God's hand is present in both abundance and scarcity, and that His purposes transcend our immediate circumstances. This initial section establishes a crucial foundation, validating the spectrum of human emotion while anchoring it in divine providence.
The heart of the song's message truly shines in its bridge and chorus, which serve as an anthem of steadfast trust. The repeated affirmation, "No matter what I have, Your grace is enough / No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love," echoes Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God tells him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." It powerfully conveys the biblical truth that God's favor is not dependent on our achievements or possessions, nor is His presence limited by our geographical or emotional state. This sets up the central metaphor of "hills and valleys." On the "mountains"—representing seasons of success, joy, and spiritual highs—the singer bows in humility, recognizing that these triumphs are not self-made but gifts from "the one who set me there" (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). Conversely, in the "valley"—periods of struggle, grief, and spiritual dryness—the resolve is to "lift my eyes to the one who sees me there." This posture of dependence is beautifully illustrated in Psalm 121:1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." It’s a profound reminder that even when we feel unseen or forgotten in our lowest moments, God’s gaze is fixed upon us.
The repetitive declaration "You're God of the hills and valleys! / And I am not alone!" forms the unwavering core of the song. It speaks directly to the promise of God's omnipresence and unwavering companionship, a truth found throughout Scripture. From 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," to Jesus' final words in Matthew 28:20, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age," the Bible consistently reassures us that we never face life’s challenges in isolation. The song expands on this theme of presence by acknowledging "I've watched my dreams get broken / In you I hope again!" This line connects personal disappointment with the divine capacity for renewal, reflecting Romans 15:13, which speaks of being "filled with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The assurance of being "safe inside Your hand" further reinforces the concept of God's protecting and sustaining power, much like John 10:28-29, where Jesus affirms that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand or the Father's hand.
The bridge serves as a profound theological anchor, reiterating the sovereignty of God over all aspects of life: "Father, you give and take away / Every joy and every pain / Through it all you will remain / Over it all!" This emphasizes God’s unchanging nature and His ultimate authority, a truth eloquently expressed in Malachi 3:6, "For I the Lord do not change." It signifies that God is not merely reacting to our circumstances but is actively involved and sovereign over them, weaving all experiences—good and challenging—into His greater tapestry. The final lines, "And I will choose to say 'Blessed be Your name' / And I am not alone," circle back to Job’s profound declaration, elevating it to a conscious choice of praise and trust, regardless of what life brings. This isn't a passive acceptance but an active embrace of faith, affirming God's goodness and presence even when understanding is elusive. "Hills and Valleys" therefore stands as a powerful testament to the enduring presence and unchanging character of God, providing a robust spiritual framework for navigating the complexities of human existence with hope, humility, and unwavering faith.