The Blessings of the Valley

For a sold out servant of the Lord, it can sometimes seem that much of the Christian life is lived in the valley. That low place, far below life’s highest, most joyous moments. The place that can feel dark...secluded... and at times–almost claustrophobic in its aloneness. It’s that place on the road to another—take your breath away, mountain top blessing!

Looking honestly at what lies in most valleys, we might be surprised at what we find. Some valleys are harsher than others. They contain fewer trees that protect you from the elements. Valleys, cradle the moisture run off of the mountains and hills around them. They can grow lush and beautiful because of what came from the mountain. The blessings of a rain storm do not last long on hills or mountains. They can pass quickly. The water run off immediately begins its assent into the valley and there, those mountain top rains and snows begin to nurture everything in the valley below. If the truth be known....there is much beauty to be seen in the valley. Why do we hate the valley times of our lives so much? If only we could see the blessing and beauty of the valley!

The Psalmist David, spoke fondly of the valley experience when he wrote in Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." He acknowledged that God led him, like a shepherd leads his sheep; and in that place where He leads...we will have no need of want."He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." David realized that the valley was chosen for him–by his Shepherd. He was made to go there. How many times have I cried my way into the next valley while completely forgetting that the plush green pastures were waiting to provide a place of peace, rest and rejuvenation with my Shepherd! After all.... He is there with me---- because He led me there. He went before me, into this secluded, quiet place of sad aloneness. This really was His will for me at this time! Why do I resist His leading if I say I truly trust that His way is the best way?

For most 21st century Christians, we do not want a valley experience. We tire of valley experiences! We reach out and longingly yearn for the thrill of the mountain top, all the while.....forgetting that there are blessings in the valley too! You see.... it is in the valley, that my Shepherd restores my soul. Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." Restoration and spiritual growth happen in the valleys of our Christian life. We actually need the strength we’ve gained from our time in the valley as we prepare for our next trek up the mountain.

Oh, dear one...if we as Christian women could just trust the Wise and Loving Heavenly Shepherd, we would see more clearly that the valley that we might find ourselves in, was planned just for us. Do we trust Him enough to follow Him devotedly into the valley of His will? The words to a precious song, say it best. I must thank my sweet friend Rhonda Smith, wife of pastor Tom Smith for sharing them with me.

This Valley Is For Me
By R. Atkinson

As I look down this mountain side,I can see where this road goes.The Shepherd is leading me,To a place where I can grow.Though it seems to be a trying test,I have no doubt He knows what’s best.It just might be a place of perfect rest, This valley is for me.

Chorus: This valley is for me, the waters have been made sweet, A pleasant rest for my weary feet, This valley is for me.A far cry from the mountain scene, the grass here has been made so green.My Shepherd chose this route, so I can say without a doubt, This valley is for me.

Standing here beside still waters, I know why I am here today, This place of restoration will strengthen me along the way.Thru the valley I can feel His presence here is, oh, so real.Now I know it was His perfect will, This valley is for me.

At Rest In The Valley,
Sheryl