Just that word, "valleys" initially brings to my imagination the beauty of a river valley. It is lush and green and full of life. River valleys are often referred to as the bottom lands where crops and animals may thrive. Yet valleys, upon further meditation, can also refer to a difficult time spiritually. We say we are "down in the dumps" when we are sad yet also refer to "mountain top" experiences when we feel happy and times seem good. These two types of valleys are not mutually exclusive as I will share with you here in a bit.
The earliest reference to valley that I found in my study (please let me know if you found another!) is of the Jordan Valley in Genesis 13:10. This reference is before the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrha where the river valley was a desirable and choice place for Lot to settle. It was referred to as "like a garden of the Lord". Another positive reference of a valley is from Joshua 10:12 where God caused the sun to stand still to benefit the Israelites.
Jesus is called the Lily of the valleys...which is a picture of purity and beauty. (Song of Solomon 2:1) And as I thought on this "picture" I am reminded that He is with us, in His beauty and purity, in the valleys of life, good or bad, easy or difficult. He is the Lily of the valleys (singular in reference to Jesus, plural in reference to our lives).
There are other references to valleys in Scripture. Psalm 23:4 mentions the "valley of the shadow of death" or the NLT translates it as the "valley of deep darkness". This valley of deep darkness expresses what we feel as we face difficult times. Yet, God does not end it there in Psalm 23-the Shepherd's Psalm. As we go through the valley of the deep darkness, He is with me! His rod and His staff comfort me (and directs me). What love that is! Verse 6 states that "goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." So even though we go through the valley of deep darkness, the Lord is there! He is Jehovah Shammah.
Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Joel also have a reference to valleys, but there are two others that I would especially like to focus on. These two passages demonstrate that the valley can be both positive and negative. These two valley references speak of turning what would considered a negative situation into something good and full of blessing.
"Passing through the valley of Baca, they make it a spring, the early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength." Psalm 84:6-7(a)
This valley is also referred to as the valley of weeping. The cedars which grew in this valley would "weep" their sap/gum of balsam and it is for this reason that the valley is also referred to as the valley of balsam.
The beauty of this passage is that the valley of weeping will be turned to blessings. Our sorrows will be turned to joy. And we are promised the strength (aka "resources") we need to continue on the journey God has set before us.
"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness, and speak kindly to her. Then I will give her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor (valley of Trouble) as a door of Hope...and it will come about in that day, declares the Lord, "That you will call me Ishi and will not longer call Me Baali." Hosea 2:14,15 & 16
This portion of Scripture became significant to me most recently as my family and I faced tremendous challenges. The Lord seemed to confirm this message to me as the Bible study group I was in suggested we study the book of Hosea. What a journey of blessing that was!
In this passage, Hosea is inspired by God to write about His (God's) great love for Israel. This applies to we believers for we have been grafted in as God's children through Jesus Christ. God allures us and draws us to places we might not choose to go...like the wilderness. Yet, He draws us away to these places of solitude to speak kindly and lovingly to us. The promise that follows is amazing.
The valley of Achor is also referred to as the valley of Trouble or Troubling as this is where God's judgment fell on Achan for his disobedience and rebellion. This valley of Achor God promises will become a door of Hope!
So, what must we do? Walk through the Door. I think sometimes standing at the threshold is what we settle for, yet Jesus bids us come in! As we face difficulties, heartaches, sorrows-these Jesus will turn into joy. He exchanges beauty for ashes. He restores that which the locusts have eaten.
We must go through the wilderness and listen to the Words of God. We must walk through the valley of trouble to reach the door of Hope and then...step through to His peace, His love, His joy.
May you be blessed with the knowledge that the God of the Universe, the Sovereign Lord is not ignorant of your situation but is intimately acquainted with you for He is your Creator. He has great plans for you if you only trust Him, walk in obedience to His Word.
We serve a God Who can change a valley of sorrow into joy. He can change a valley of trouble into a promise of hope. We serve an Awesome God!
