Valley Experiences

As we enter the New Year, some of you may be experiencing Valleys, deep entrenched moments of time that seem to take the life out of you.  May this article, written in 2011, bring you hope and help at this time of hardship.

I have been contemplating the valleys of life.  Do you ever get your mind wrapped around one word or phrase and sit around thinking on that one thing?  I do!  I do not mind telling you it can be just as frustrating as it is rewarding.  That is where some of my best thoughts for sermons and articles come from.

Have you ever thought about what a valley is?  Some would say it is a long, narrow division between two mountains.  Others would say it is a place that exists for refuge and rest.  Still, others might see it as a place of danger and distress.

Geologically, a valley is “a depression with predominant extent in one direction.  A very deep river valley may be called a canyon or gorge,” according to Wikipedia.  Famous valleys can be found in India, the Swiss Alps, and British Columbia.  

I grew up in the Tennessee River Region, a part of which is known as Wills Valley.  It is a long, narrow stretch of rolling hills and tranquil streams.  There in the valley are plenty of woods and pasture, rivers and dale for both pleasure and profit.  Beginning on the south end of the valley, the mountain range closes in and forms what appears to be a straight line to the other end, the north end, where the mountain region begins its ascent.  I use to go to a place at Mentone, called Eagles Peak, and gaze down at the valley below, thinking how wonderful and majestic God is to have created such a beautiful place.

Do not misunderstand, the valley to me was beautiful, but also a dangerous place with a vast history of sadness and sorrow.  It was through this valley of North Alabama the Cherokee Indian nation was gathered and sent toward their demise; it was in this valley that one of the greatest fires in the history of DeKalb County took place; in this valley many families received word that their sons would not be returning from battles waged on foreign soil, while others found themselves without children due to accidents and devious, sinister people.  Here in this valley many a man took pleasure in great gains during a time of profit and economic growth, only to find they are broke and destitute when the market crashes around them.  Yes, there is a dark cloud which hangs over the valley at times, looking as if death would be the result for anyone who might venture into its bowels.

In some ways this is the feeling David had when he penned the words, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”  Here is a man who had been called “A Man After God’s Own Heart.” Here is a man who had conquered animals who were intent on taking away the sheep he watched; a man who would soon be king-already he had been chosen by God and anointed by the Prophet-but he says he is having a valley experience, a time of distress and hopelessness.  David is in great pain as he endures the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental warfare of life.

Knowing the fear of the valley experience, feeling the loneliness of the moment, David realizes these are feelings he does not have to pamper and cuddle; no, he knows there is someone close by, someone who has the power to chase away the darkness and the freight.  He writes, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 KJV)

David declares three wonderful things.  First, that the valley is not the final resting place; it is not where he will take up residence.  Secondly, in the valley he is not alone, for God-the one who promises to “never leave us or forsake us” -is there by his side.  Third, God is not only walking along, holding David’s hand in this immense and troubled valley, but He is directing his steps, showing him the way to higher regions and a respite from the pain and suffering.

Friend, I know you may be experiencing a difficult, troubled time.  You may think there is no hope, no help, no safe home; but I am here to tell you-look up, because God is with you as He directs and leads you in this time of darkness.  Know that it will not last forever-no it will not-because you are “going through the valley.”  You are going to move to higher ground, the sun is going to shine in its brilliance as it warms your skin once again, and you are going to dance with joy in the presence of the one who has brought you safely through.

Confidence in the valley experience is not easy.  It seems that the enemy wants to rob you of all the confidence, sapping any spiritual strength you have accumulated.  If this were not true, then why did David, say with raised voice, “Restore unto me the joy of your salvation?”  Yet, you can be confident of this because it is the very Word of God: “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)

I encourage you today to stand firm!  Do not pamper and cuddle your valley experience, and please do not make yourself at home.  We are to surrender ourselves to His leadership, as He leads us along the path, teaching us and holding us, until we have safe passage through the valley and we can stand on the mountain and proclaim, “Great is the Lord and Mighty is He to save!”