God Meets Us in the Valley by Lisa Burkhardt Worley, D.Min.
Ending up in an emotional valley is never desired, but it occasionally happens, and when we find ourselves in the pit, we might think we will never get out. However, be assured the LORD meets us in the valley and does not leave us alone there.
Psalm 84: 5-7 says, Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
What is the Valley of Baka? It is translated as the “Valley of Weeping.” It was probably a true location near Jerusalem, but in this passage, it has a metaphorical meaning. We are all on a pilgrimage called life. When we end up in a valley where we are heartbroken, betrayed, or rejected, God will give us the strength we need to overcome. He refreshes us in the valley. Before we entered the valley we may have felt strong; yet we dwell in the valley in our weakness, then we emerge strong again because of the Lord’s strength infusing us in the depths of despair. “From strength to strength.”
This is a repetitive cycle. I have not counted all of the valleys I’ve experienced. Let’s just say I am well-traveled. However, there has not been one valley where I have not been rescued by God. We just have to turn over every valley-inducing situation to the LORD, and He will lift us up.
While I dislike valleys, I know I draw closer to God in that place of solitude. He protects us. He provides His wisdom for the situation, and He comforts us. Psalm 84:10 says, Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. If God wants to meet me in the valley, then there is no other place I’d rather be, no matter how difficult it is.
What about you? How do you experience valleys? What have you learned from your valleys?
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