The Valley

The valley is defined in landscape as a 'low place' between the hills or mountains.

We all have walked valleys in life, either physical or spiritual.  If you are an outdoor person, you know that valleys are typically places where streams or rivers flow, where greenery flourishes, and where 'waste' can gather.  The mountains and hills 'deposit' water, melting ice caps, and waste from living animals and  humans, into valleys.

However, in certain places, the waters flow clearly and the green grass is continually renewed by the Creator for the grazing animals.

Spiritually speaking, if you have experienced 'the valley', you know that there is no experience quite so excruciating as the dark place.  You feel alone.  You feel rejected.  You feel overlooked.  You feel defeated, depleted of energy, and completely overwhelmed.

The valley is a playground for the enemy.  Like the little cartoon character devil-with-pitchfork sitting on your shoulder, the enemy of your soul whispers the most insidious lies and deceptions in order to keep you down, to keep you defeated, and to completely sabotage your relationship with God.  It's what he does.  It's who he is.  Liar. Deceiver. Father of lies.

In the 1970s, my sweet Mama taught me a Gospel song written by the legendary songwriter Dottie Rambo.  "In The Valley (He Restoreth My Soul)" has become one of those cherished songs that takes me back to wonderful memories of God's amazing and sustaining Grace during the valleys and dark moments in my life. Mama knows Grace.  She's seen God's Hand move miraculously in her own life.  Many times.  She's lived it.  She's walked it.  She ministers Grace to everyone she possibly can.  I love that she taught me Grace at such a young age.

The most popular church hymn that we've all sung at some point, "Amazing Grace", says it best,

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me Home

I love the new version of the old song that Chris Tomlin has introduced to the Church as well,

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, My Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood
His mercy rains
Unending Love, Amazing Grace

I don't know what you might be facing today.  Maybe you are on a mountaintop and life is Good.  You are winning.  All is well.  The bank account has plenty, the business is progressing, the investment portfolio is performing well, all the loved ones are healthy ... life is Good.

But, maybe ... you are in yet another Valley.  The days are bleak.  The nights are horrifying.  Sleep will not come.  Rest is nowhere in sight.  Layoffs and job loss have sidetracked you.  Terminal illness and Death have visited your house.  Bill collectors are calling on the hour, every hour.   You have made terrible decisions in your moments of weakness and now the consequences are completely overwhelming.

There is Hope.  There is Peace.  There is Light at the end of the tunnel.  As cliche as it sounds, God is right there in the Valley with you.  The Holy Spirit's Presence is a prayer away.  Jesus, your Redeemer and Friend, has paid the total cost for your sin, for your freedom, for an abundant life on earth, and for your eternity in Paradise.  Whether you 'feel' that salvation, healing, restoration, and freedom ...or not.

Pray. Worship. Listen. Wait.  He is here.  He will touch you.  You can be healed.  Tomorrow will come.  Joy can be restored.  Let the LORD restore you ... today.