The same Creator who mounded up the majestic peaks from which
we survey stunning vistas also scooped out the valley below. Every seasoned traveler will spend many an
hour soaking in the beauty only beheld atop some lofty summit but will also
often feel stranded in some deep depression of life called a valley. Are you in a valley right now? Do the gigantic and steep grades around you
throw long shadows over your trembling soul?
I’ve visited some valleys that many a weary pilgrim has left footprints,
sweat, tears and even blood in.
Recognize any of these valleys?
I’ve visited the valley
of tears. The psalmist visited it as
well. “Happy are the people whose hearts are set on
pilgrimage. As they pass through the
Valley of Baca (tears), they make it a source of springwater; even the autumn
rain will cover it with blessings” (Ps.
84: 5-6). According to this Hebrew
hymnist the only route to the house of God in Jerusalem included the pilgrim’s
path of pain. The road to God’s abiding
presence is often dampened by the hot, salty tears of the one who would see
God. Interestingly, the tearful leave a
pool of blessing for the next struggling saints who reach that point. In the valley of tears the seekers find help.I’ve visited the valley of trouble. Hosea spoke of that valley as the residence of adulterous Israel: “There I will give her vineyards back to her and make the Valley of Achor (trouble) into a gateway of hope” (Hos. 2: 15). The valley of trouble is where many straying sinners find themselves. Life’s hard; it’s harder when you sin! But even the sinner can find hope! No one is a dope who turns to the doorway of hope in the valley. In the valley of trouble the sinners can find hope.
I’ve visited the valley of threats. David went there and faced Goliath (1 Sam.
17). It was known as the Valley of Elah
but threats thundered there from the bellowing giant Goliath. At almost 10 feet, the Philistine champion
shouted out threats that left the finest and fittest in Israel quivering like Jell-O®. Young David, the shepherd turned solider,
left his mark on history when he took down this mountain of a man in the
valley. I’ve heard the hair raising
threats in the valley that make you feel like a whimpering little puppy but in
the valley of threats you and all other soldiers can find heart.
I’ve visited the valley of terror. David had been there and wrote about in Psalm
23. It’s called “the valley of the
shadow of death” (Ps. 23: 4). When the
long, languishing shadows of death fall across our soul, terror often takes
possession of the mind, will and emotions and it ain’t pretty! But in the valley of terror the struggler can
find heaven.Remember, there are no box canyons when you follow the Lord. We pass through each valley and one day we’ll pass on to heavenly Mount Zion.
