The Blessing Is In The Valley
I was talking to a friend yesterday and the two of us were discussing, some of the difficult things that we had personally experienced in the past year regarding health. Please be clear, this was definitely not a whining session, it was just two friends sharing their hearts and experiences.
I told her that although I had gone through a very difficult year, I had no complaints. God has been so incredibly good to me, that I dare not complain. As we continued talking about our valley experiences, I shared with her,
that it was so interesting to me, how we all want that mountain top experience all of the time. However, if the truth is known, it is during our most difficult seasons in life, that we experience our most significant spiritual growth.
While we are waiting for God to rescue us from our dark valley, and to lead us to higher ground, amazing things start to happen. We suddenly start to remember that we really do need God’s help, and we start to reach out to Him more in prayer and through camping out in His word. We also start to realize that we really and truly do have a friend in Jesus. Most importantly, we start to realize, that we have a loving, caring Father who sustains us in every way. He sustains us spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially, and when we can’t take another step, He picks us up and carries us through our difficult season.
I think our Father’s love becomes more evident to us in the valley because we are already leaning in, waiting to hear from Him regarding our situation. We start to run to Him each day, seeking comfort and direction. As we draw nearer to Him, He draws nearer to us and thus the spiritual growth begins. So the next time you enter your valley season kicking and screaming, remember that although it does not seem like it at the time, God is blessing you because God is the blessing in the valley!
Psalm 23:4
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Micah 7:7
7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Psalm 62:5
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
