How to Get through the Valley
Every Christian is going to have a valley experience. Yuck. I know right. WE just don’t like that. We want to go through life with Jesus and love him and He love us and we have no problems. That is really what we want. If we had to really choose most people will take ‘no valley for 300″ (like the game of Jeopardy)
But that is not real life or our life in Christ. That is not how it works. But there are things that in this life, will make the valley better or bearable. David, in the Bible had much experience in the valley.
David penned one of the most famous lines in the Bible. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” (Ps. 23:6)
In the Palestine during the winter months when David was a shepherd, shepherds would take the sheep down to the lowlands where there was more grass and it was warmer. They could eat and feast and be well fed and thirst quenched. But once summer arrived and the temperature rose, it was in the sheep’s best interest to move to higher ground.
The only way to get the sheep from the low ground up to the high ground was to go through the valleys and gorges that are common in that part of the world.
In this Psalm, the translation for this valley is “dark valley” or “valley of deep darkness.” The valley of deep darkness is not just about death; it’s about all those trials in life when, for a season, the shadows overtake the light. Its about your life when you are in the dark or lonely trial season when you can’t seem to find the way out or a path to follow. We all have those.
Everyone of us that are believers and non-believers will go through a valley. Some times you will have more than one. Even if you live your life so good almost perfect you think you will have a valley. Just because we are on a righteous path with God doesn’t mean we won’t have a valley experience.
The Bible says, “Count it all joy IF you encounter trials” but “Count it all joy WHEN you encounter trials…”
(James 1:2)
The valley has a purpose. The valley is not without reason. Because it is taking you to a better place. Just like the shepherd leads the sheep to better ground.
The valley is not wasted. It is a journey with much to teach you and learn. The valley pain has a purpose.
So, what do you do if you find yourself in the valley and you will….
- Draw very close to the Lord. He is with you in the shadowy dark night of the valley. YOU ARE not alone there and He is always with you. Do not believe the lies of the enemy in this season and they will be many. Walk with the shepherd and love on Him and obey His instruction.
- Fellowship with Him. Talk to God everyday while in the valley. Walking and talking with the Lord will help you enjoy the journey and understand the journey. You will learn His voice more clearly and profoundly. This will be a time of deep intimate personal relational development. He is near to you. Focus on His promises to you.
- Keep going and don’t stop. No matter what you do do not stop in the valley. That is not your promise and not your home. You will not die there if you keep moving. Keep your thoughts towards the goal. Walk, crawl, limp, hop but do not stop. Keep doing the next right thing while you are in the trial.
- Last, praise Him all the way through. Just give God the praise no matter what you see, hear, or feel. Don’t look at the storm and stop praising. My divorce valley was deep, dark, scary, hurtful and bitter. I have never hurt so much in my life. I thought I would die the pain never ceased. But, I knew if I didn’t keep trusting God I would die in that situation. I had to keep going, for myself and my sons. I knew He would rescue me and He did just that.
“… the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
(2 Cor. 1:3-4)
God comforted and He will comfort you also. His voice changes your valley experience. Draw close and listen for the still small voice of His presence.
God never left me even though it felt like it. The only way out was through and that is with Him.
Selah.