23:44 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.
In the Bible the valley is mentioned 100's of times. The valley in the geographic sense is the region that is between two mountains or hills. It is usually a long flat region following the course of a river or stream. Geologically speaking it is described as a depression in the landscape sunken or depressed below the surrounding area. The valley, speaking in emotional terms can be defined as:
a low point or interval in any process, representation, or situation.
any place, period, or situation that is filled with fear, gloom, foreboding, or the like: the valley of despair.
The valley represents that "low point" after coming off of the "mountain top." When we are high on the mountain tops we can see clearly for miles and things seem wide open and possible to us. However, when we are down in the valley all we can see is our immediate surroundings and the Mountains that are in front of us.
As I looked through the many references of the "valley" in the Scriptures two interesting observations occurred to me. First, in the Bible we see that it is in the valley that many people "settled." In other words many people made their homes in the valley. Gen 26:17So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. Num 14:25 the Amalekites and Canaanites are living in the valleys
When we are in the valley it is easy to remain there. Even though, it may be depressing, and difficult, in the valley it is relatively easy. Crops grow well in the valley, land is flat which makes it easy to build, flocks flourish in the valley and it makes it a great place to be comfortable and to dwell therein! However, valleys are not all that they seem! Though it can be a great place to dwell, it is not without it's risks.
The risk of staying in the valley is this: Valleys are not safe! There are natural liabilities to living in the valley. Valley's are subject to rock-slides, mudslides, and avalanches. It is prone to flooding, straight line winds and tornadic activity. Add to those risks another scriptural observation: In the valley is where battles are fought.
Genesis 14:8Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim.
I Samuel 17:2Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.
2 Chron 14:10Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.
The spiritual lesson is this: When we come down from the spiritual high where we were in the presence of God, things were great, where we were ministered to and God felt more real than ever before, what will be waiting for us is a good chance of a spiritual battle. However difficult, long, or intimidating your valley experience may seem, you can be victorious in the valley because just like Psalm 23:4 says:You (God) are with me. With God you can do all things and you are more than a conqueror through Him! What we have to guard against is settling and getting comfortable in the valley and not being aware of the enemy that lurks and seeks your destruction in the valley. Some things that I have learned in my Christian walk is that the Valley is inevitable for the Christian. We will go through some tests and trials, some periods of long testing and it is easy to quit pressing on in the journey that God has led you through thus far and settle down in the valley and say to yourself, "I'm tired, I'm happy, and I'm comfortable" Many Christians fail to realize their full potential and stay in the valley having to fight the same old enemies over and over again when they could have pressed on up to the next mountain top experience.
It is easy to think that God is up on the mountain top but He is not in valley. (But having a little fun now) Jesus, said, "Lo, I am with you always even until the end of the age." The Psalmist said in Psalm 139:8 "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." You are never alone in the valley. Yet you are not to remain in the valley and reminisce of the good old days on the mountain tops, but fight your battle there and move on to the next place God has called you to.
Good Word Brother Todd...I've spent many years in the valley and surely could write several books about it...but right you are...God doesn't intend for us to stay permanently in the valley, or get comfortable there....YES...there are many lessons to learn, and many battles to fight there, but the experiences are only to prepare us for the mountain top where we can soar higher.....I'm gratful to God that He didn't leave ME *in the valley*...but like a Good Shepherd...JESUS led me out....Bless His Holy Name!!!!
Dan: Yes He is always with us and will never leave us nor forsake us.
Margie: I know yo have spent some time in the valley. I can always tell the saints who have. Yes He leads us through the valley doesn't He? However we must follow!
What amazes me is the fact that you can be on a high and something hits you in the face, and bang down you go. I stumble and start rolling, head over teakettle, and land up in the mud. Sometimes the treck back up is easy, sometimes it is hard, but no matter the case, He is beside you, or He is carrying you until your feet are back under you and you reach steady and flat land. I praise Him for always picking me up and dusting me off when those times come. Sorry that you sometimes have to hear about those low points, but I thank God that He gave me such a special son that I can talk to. I love you Toddie! Mom
KC: Through the valley......Amen?
Mom: No matter the case, He is beside, or is carrying you always picking us up and dusting us off. We all have low points, it is by design..they force us to lean on the Lord. Not a problem at, all for the way I see it we are to bear one another's burdens and those of us that are feeling our oats that day need to help those that need some! I love you, and thank God for a mother who had a heart for God. I am blessed.
I would like to suggest that it is possible for us to live half-way up the mountain. Or better yet, on an even keel, not moved by circumstances.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So it only stands to reason that the more we allow the Jesus in us to dominate our lives, then the more stable we become. Not tossed around by every wave of the sea.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
When we are controlled by our emotions, the ups do seem higher but the lows seems lower. Sometimes way, way lower. That's merely a matter of perspective. This walk with Christ is indeed a narrow road, but it travels well!
Michael: That is interesting insight. I saw that verse in my study and was wondering if that was going to be in the kingdom to come. Nevertheless, I am not talking as much about emotional highs and lows althought that definitely applies to this teaching, but God as our Good Shepherd does lead us through some difficult places and it seems as if we are alone, and vulnerable. During those times of despair and challenge it is important to remember that it is by His design and it is for our growth. I will agree though that as we are grounded in Christ we will become more stable and not tossed about by every wind of doctrine or wind of trial that blows our way. God bless you!
when your in the valley don't over look him, (he's the lily of the valley) the sweet desert rose.....Jesus is there,waiting for you to call on him......he never leaves or forsakes us,,,,there are times he is guiding us through and times he is carrying us through but no matter how we get through,,,we couldn't get through without Jesus............Thank you Sweet Jesus, you are my everything
When we come down from the spiritual high where we were in the presence of God, things were great, where we were ministered to and God felt more real than ever before, what will be waiting for us is a good chance of a spiritual battle. However difficult, long, or intimidating your valley experience may seem, you can be victorious in the valley because just like Psalm 23:4 says:You (God) are with me.
Thanks again! This is so true thanks for this reminder!
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