Images of valleys are often used to symbolize struggles in life, while mountain peaks serve as symbols of victory. In the Old Testament, valleys were sometimes locations of battles or of God’s judgment (Joel 3:14). In Psalm 23 David speaks of walking “in the valley of the shadow of death” (v 4). Even today we sometimes refer to times of trouble or discouragement as valleys we are going through.
It is safe to say that all people, no matter who they are, face times of discouragement in this life. Even among the “greats” of God’s messengers, we see evidence of periods of discouragement.
• Noah, a “preacher of righteousness” for over 100 years, undoubtedly was not encouraged by the destruction of the rest of mankind as his “congregation” of eight souls floated away.
• Abraham, even as he climbed a mountain to obey God by sacrificing his son, had to be in an emotional valley (Gen. 22).
• Moses faced opposition from the very people he was leading out of bondage and sometimes felt the burden was too much to bear (Num. 11:11-15).
• Elijah thought at one point he was the only one in Israel concerned with pleasing God (1 Ki. 19:10).
• The apostle Paul, normally very upbeat, reported that at one point he “despaired even of life” (2 Cor. 1:8).
We are told that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). So it should not be a surprise to find faithful Christians today who experience “valleys” due to circumstances in life.
There may be times when we may not understand why God is letting us walk in a valley. Consider Job, whom God said was “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1). He clearly didn’t understand why God was permitting him to suffer. In our minds we say, “God is with us,” but from our emotions we feel, “God, where are You when we need You?”
Some valleys are deeper than others and may take more effort to climb out of, but with God’s help, we can. Understand, the valley is not the place where God intends for us to take up residence. We must walk through it—not make it our home.
Just because God allows us to be in a valley doesn’t necessarily mean that He is responsible for putting us there—unless He puts us there in order to teach us.
Some find themselves in a valley because they don’t listen to God (example: Jonah). Others can’t get out of a valley because of unrepentant sin. Some may be there because of the sins of others (i.e. family troubles, an unrighteous nation, etc.). And still others may be there due to “natural causes” (i.e. disasters or maybe even a pandemic).
God uses our valley experiences to instruct us. The apostle Paul gave us three “benefits” that are gained from facing trials (2 Cor. 1:3-11):
1) We will be able to comfort others (v.6);
2) We will develop patient endurance; and
3) We will trust in God and not in ourselves.
Jeremiah wrote, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord” (17:7).
Realizing that it is more than likely that we will have valley experiences, let’s look at what we should do while there.
▶ Praise God for what He has done for you. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Our sins have been forgiven! Jesus is pleading our case.
▶ Praise God for what He will do for you. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Pet. 1:3). Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have the realistic expectation (hope) of our own resurrection from the dead.
▶ Praise God for what He now does for you. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). He is there “in all our tribulation” (v.4). And when thing are going wrong, “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
We have a God who “knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations…” (2 Pet. 2:9). He may not deliver his saints immediately—or even in the same way. The apostle James (one of the “sons of thunder”) was delivered from his trials by death. The apostle Peter, under the same threat, was delivered from prison. Sometimes God delivers us from trials, and at other times He delivers us through trials.
God uses other Christians to help us face trials. When we are able to endure trials we are more equipped to help those who are still in the valley. We are asked to “pass it forward.”
Remember, when you are in the valley, you’re still safe because God has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). But let’s not take up residence in the valley. That’s not what God intends for us.
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