Beaches, Mountains & Especially Valleys

Do you like a beach vacation? Sand. Shells. Sun. Relaxation. Yeah, well, it’s not my dream vacation. 

My favorite vacation spot would be in a partially secluded cabin tucked quietly away in the mountains.  I take great pleasure in watching the sunrise peek around mountain peaks and I enjoy hearing water rippling over smooth stones in a nearby mountain stream. I enjoy the peaceful quietness and also listening to the sounds of tiny wood creatures and birds of all types. My favorite spot to vacay! 

However, to arrive at those spots which I enjoy visiting, we must pass through a very important place. The valley. And, as much as I love the mountains, the valley is usually beautiful in its own way too. Certain things happen in the valley which can never take place in mountainous areas and that’s a very important thing to remember. 

Things grow better in the valley. 

That includes you and I, friend. 

There are valleys we must traverse in our walk with the Lord. Of course there would be, how could there be a mountain without a valley resting below? True to our nature, we normally don’t enjoy the valley spots and usually strive to attain the thrill of a mountain peak. However, valleys are made for our good. 

Valleys are formed by a gradual wearing down of the land. There is usually a water source, such as a river or stream, in a valley which provides needful resources. There is an added layer of protection in a valley due to the mountains which surround them, acting as a shield. The valley also has built-in protection which makes invasions more difficult. Finally, the valley usually has very fertile soil which helps nurture and sustain life well. 

These are just a few positive physical aspects I know about valleys. 

I’d like to parallel this with the spiritual valleys we go through in our walk with God. 

First of all, we usually end up in a valley experience because of a wearing down. Life happens and we are plunged out of our proverbial mountain resort and land face-down in the valley. And, as you’ll see, that’s a good thing!

In that position, we can rest knowing there is a a water source close by, because God is always near to His children. Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

The valley is good. 

In the valley moments we feel fragile and vulnerable but we might be actually receiving added protection there. The Bible tells us in Psalm 91, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day...” - that’s a really beautiful picture. 

The valley is good. 

The valley is full of rich soil which helps us grow. We are never left there to survive on our own. James tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Valleys bring testing, which brings growth and maturity in our walk with God. 

So, you may be asking me, “So, the valley really is good for me?”

And I say, with conviction, yes, my dear friend! Things take place in the valley that can’t happen anywhere else. When overseen by God, every valley can be a greenhouse of opportunity for spiritual growth and character if we allow the process to unfold as God has willed. 

Psalm 23 is a beautiful passage of scripture, one I’ve learned in which to rest; one I’ve learned to take to heart in. It’s all about being in the valley and what can take place if we allow God to work within us and our situation. We grow! Become more like Jesus! Take a minute to really read and think about each verse. It’s good fertilizer for the valley experience. 

He is EVERYTHING we need - always!

So, yes, we like the mountaintop experiences but we can’t live there and thrive. We must visit the valley occasionally or we’ll die. It’s okay. Trust God’s process and the journey through the valley will be one we’ll not regret taking. 

I’ve been through many things (valleys) in my lifetime, most of which I’d never want to go through again; however, I wouldn’t take anything for what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown through each valley. 

If you’re thinking a trip to the sandy beach or to the mountains will make everything better right now, then just maybe you’re living through the valley.  Take a deep breath! Remember, you’re not alone and you’re going to come out of this a different person. Allow God to take the lead, resting and trusting completely in His guidance and the journey He has purposed for your better days - which are just  ahead. 

Beaches, mountains...and especially valleys - He is there. Keep walking.