Valley

<<v-shaped landform>>

Valleys of Israel mentioned in the Bible include:

The Valley of Achor (meaning disaster) is where Achan was stoned for his sin (Josh 7:24-26). Later God said He would “make the Valley of Achor a door of hope” – a place of trouble and despair turned to joy and hope (Hos 2:15).

The Kidron Valley is on the eastern side of the old city of Jerusalem, separating the Mount of Olives and the Temple Mount and continuing south east towards the Dead Sea (Jn 18:1).

The Jordan Valley is a segment of the great rift that extends from Syria to Eastern Africa. However the term Jordan Valley is often applied just to the lower course of the Jordan River, from where it exits the Sea of Galilee and flows South into the Dead Sea at 1,300 feet below sea level (1 Chr 12:15).

of faith and vision, inspiring renewed enthusiasm and liberation, affecting us spiritually, emotionally and physically, however we can’t continually live on that level.  There will be emotionally low periods or valleys of drudgery, that test our motivation and commitment to follow the Lord; when it seems all other supports have been stripped away leaving only God and His Word to cling to, and we cry out ‘where are you God’. When over tired and under extreme pressure the valley seems deeper and the surrounding mountains extra menacing because of our own less-than positive mental attitude – arising from being frustrated and discouraged, with our dreams evaporating and not fulfilling what we believe is our calling.

When David was in such valleys, he challenged his own attitude and encouraged himself, finding strength in God (1 Sam 30:6; Ps 31:1, 56:11, 130:5). He asked himself “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God” (Ps 42:5,11, 43:5). He was confident in the Lord still being his shepherd to lead and be with him even through the darkest valley (Ps 23:4). After all what other option is available (Jn 6:68)?

power, so look for the refreshing streams and cling to His promises. God is more interested in our character development than our personal comfort. Correctly respond to the Lord so you can move on, rather than being like the Israelites who because of their stubborn refusal to obey, died in the wilderness (Num 14:29-34). We too, have the choice to walk through our valley of testing, emerging victorious or being buried in it. There are “Multitudes in the valley of decision” – the place where people have the choice to go God’s way or rebel (Joel 3:14). What will my choice be?

In a valley, it is easy to lose the true perspective and sight of the sun (God’s Son too) as we are in the shadow of the imposing mountains that would seem to crowd in on us. It’s at such times our commitment and allegiance to Christ are tested, where theory about trust is put into practice, and we must rely on Him when all seems to be crumbling, dreams are shattered and in tears we ask ‘why’. Don’t withdraw into self-pity or a victim mentality, instead try and stay focused on Jesus and bring Him a sacrifice of praise, for He knows when to bring us out of the valley (Heb 13:15). Paul said, “We are surrounded by problems but not crushed...” (2 Cor 4:7-11). Don’t be governed by emotions and feelings, instead let His peace and the Scriptures rule your mind, for as His treasured possession He will never leave us but, in His company and with everything working for our good (to conform us to the likeness of Jesus), the situation will not conquer us (Isa 43:1-4; Rom 8:28,29,35-39; Phil 4:7; Heb 13:5). Job had many misfortunes at once yet didn’t sink into depression, resort to complaining, or lose his connection with God because he knew God allows us to experience trials as well as pleasant times (Job 1:20-22, 2:10, 13:15).

The three Jews who were about to be thrown into the fire rather than compromise their allegiance to God declared, “He is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn’t we will remain faithful to Him”. This commitment is echoed by numerous believers – some experiencing God’s earthly intervention while for others it becomes their entry point into heaven through martyrdom (Dan 3:17,18; Heb 11:32-38).

Emotionally support, pray for and encourage those who are in a valley, to continue in the Christian pilgrimage and not discard their confidence or faith; He doesn’t give up on us, victory is on the way, so don’t quit (Lk 22:32; Gal 6:2; Heb 10:35, 12:12). Resolve to follow God regardless, in both the good times but also when things don’t minister to your desires. Commit yourself into His hands being confident He will fulfill His purpose for you – one ‘faith step’ at a time (Ps 37:5, 138:8, 139:10; Phil 1:6). "He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will forth as gold" (Job 23:10).

Don’t allow Satan to gain the victory, through subconsciously having resentment against God because He didn’t act in the way you thought He should have. God permits various moulding experiences, to get our attention so we refocus on our fellowship with Him. These specific seasons in God’s economy are periods of character formation and refining, leading to refreshment and restoration. Such testing of our hearts is to our benefit and we will emerge more purified than when we entered it, understanding the Christian walk is one of faith, and not always by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Is He our priority or have we put things before Him?

He promises success to those dedicated to Him (Josh 1:7-9). Have a thankful attitude – He has led you in the past, and will continue to guide you now and in the future, for you are His much-loved child. Although you may feel disorientated and insecure in your relationship with others, it is vitally important to stay in fellowship and maintain spiritual disciplines, without making unnecessary major decisions during these down periods.

See also: attitude, burn-out, character, daily walk, depression, desert, empathy, encouragement, mountains, not being ministered to, perspective, positive mental attitude, refine, self-pity, spiritual disciplines, test/testing, trials, troubles, victim mentality, why, wilderness wanderings.