Before You Climb Any Higher

Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams

De: Jonathan McReynolds

Narrado por: Jonathan McReynolds

Read by the author.

We long for mountaintop experiences, but they’re difficult to achieve and impossible to maintain without the rest, nourishment, and strength found in lush, life-giving valleys. GRAMMY Award winner Jonathan McReynolds shows us why having a valley mindset is not what you think—it’s about receiving God’s grace, love, and encouragement as His beloved child.

Life is full of mountains to ascend, driven by our dreams, ambitions, and callings. But it doesn’t take much for even the strongest climbers to grow weary or lose their way. It’s important to have a “mountain mindset” to help us establish goals, to make steady progress, to achieve success, to do big things for God. A great mission requires from us a little grind, a little hustle, a little competition. But also plenty of time in the valley.

Most people equate valley moments with difficulty and pain, but a “valley mentality” is different according to Jonathan McReynolds. He’s reached the mountaintop—GRAMMY Award, nationwide tours, millions of followers, and more—but he experienced more refreshment, rest, and encouragement from the Lord off the mountain. He writes, “The valley is not about finishing anything, studying anything, or doing anything, but simply being a child of God.” In Before You Climb Any Higher, readers will discover:

• Taking breaks from climbing is necessary for your mental health
• Ways to find rest, renewal, and authentic community in the valley
• Identity should never be wrapped up in success and accolades
• How to prepare for the mountain climb with lessons learned in the valley
• It’s possible to live abundantly in the valley and on the mountain

We are more than our accomplishments, more than our mountaintop accomplishments. We are sons and daughters of God, who is calling us to rest in the valley, to replenish our souls, to be formed by the Spirit, to discover abundant life that is found only in Him.

©2025 Jonathan McReynolds (P)2025 Thomas Nelson

I am running to be in the valley

This was such a beautifully written book. It is an insight into Jonathan’s personal experiences which makes him relatable. Also, the suggestions that he gives for anyone experiencing something similar to his, are encouraging and helpful. Listening to this book was like having an intervention with a friend. A reminder that the valley is a safe place to land and reset as often as you want/need. Thank you.

Vulnerability and authenticity

We all go through struggles trying to be the best and do our best. This book is great at showing us the way to do that but prioritizing the Way The Truth and the Life! Time with Him gives us what we need to be who He created us to be. His

Vulnerability and honesty that I felt in his voice.

The whole narrative about his story and the analogy of being in the valley before you climb. Resonated with the valley.

I heard your heart

I am a big fan and have always been since “no gray” and I think because we are the same age, I just relate so well with all that you state as a young Christian.

May Your Whole Life Prove That God Is Good

Loved, loved, loved this book. I am glad I listened to this one because Jonathan McReynolds has tons of charisma. This book was a joy.

Great wisdom and insight for all walks of life

I loved the way that Mr. McReynolds broke down his process of scaling down the “mountain” and remaining in the “valley”. This book truly impacted my approach toward work as an artist and provided me liberty in searching out harmful mindsets while pursuing my career in music. I would highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with creative paralysis and the fears and anxieties related to artistic endeavors.

Wonderful

Never really knew the true cost of climbing the mountain, until now. This books helps you understand both your mountain and valley.

Perfectly written

This book spoke directly to this season of my life. I’ve focused more on being the person available for everyone while losing myself in the process. Forgetting the thing that matters most is being a daughter of God. I’m climbing off the mountain to eat of the nutrition of the valley. Job well done Jonathan McReynolds.

The Message

Bro McReynolds has a way of paralleling his life’s experiences into today’s society. I highly recommend this book for future generations.

Thought Provoking

This book was wonderful and really gave me a lot to think about regarding defining success!