The Value of the Valley

We've all been there. That place where life feels stuck, uncertain, or just plain hard. Maybe you're facing financial struggles, relationship problems, health issues, or that nagging sense that you're not where you thought you'd be by now. In those moments, it's easy to wonder if God has forgotten about you or if you've somehow taken a wrong turn. But what if I told you that these valley seasons might actually be some of the most valuable times in your spiritual journey?

The psalmist David knew something about valleys when he wrote those famous words: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4). Notice he didn't say "if" he walked through the valley, but "even though" – as if valleys are just part of the journey.

Valleys in our lives can look like many things: losing a job, going through a divorce, struggling with depression, dealing with chronic illness, or simply feeling spiritually dry. These are the times when the mountain-top experiences feel like distant memories or like haunting shadows, and we're just trying to put one foot in front of the other.

So, why do we need these valley experiences?

1. They Humble Us

There's something about difficult seasons that strips away our pretenses. When life is going well, it's easy to think we've got everything figured out. We can start believing our own hype and forget how much we need God. But valleys have a way of bringing us back to reality. King Nebuchadnezzar learned this lesson the hard way when God humbled him: "Those who walk in pride he is able to humble" (Daniel 4:37). Sometimes God allows valleys to remind us that we're not as self-sufficient as we think.

2. They Deepen Our Dependence

When everything is smooth sailing, prayer can become routine or even optional. But when you're in a valley, prayer becomes as essential as breathing. You find yourself crying out to God with a desperation and honesty that you might not have experienced on the mountaintop. Paul understood this when he wrote about his "thorn in the flesh." Three times he pleaded with God to remove it, but God's response was: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes our valleys are the very places where we discover just how much we need God's strength.

3. They Build Character

No one enjoys going through tough times, but they undeniably build something valuable within us: endurance and character. Think of an athlete training for a marathon. They don't just run on flat, easy paths. They push themselves through hills and difficult terrain, not because they enjoy the pain, but because it makes them stronger and more capable of reaching their goal. James puts it this way: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).

This isn't saying we should seek out suffering, but that when it comes, we can find a purpose in it. It's in the valleys where we learn patience, compassion, resilience, and faith. These aren't lessons you can learn from a book – they have to be lived.

4. They Prepare Us for Purpose

Think about some of the most impactful people in the Bible. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before leading Israel out of Egypt. David was anointed king but spent years running from Saul before taking the throne. Joseph was sold into slavery and thrown in prison before becoming second-in-command in Egypt. Their valley experiences weren't detours from their purpose – they were preparation for it. God was developing in them the character, wisdom, and dependence they would need for what He had planned.

It's all about perspective

Sometimes, the valley gives us a perspective we desperately needed. It helps us appreciate the mountaintop experiences even more when they come, and it teaches us to find joy and contentment even in less-than-ideal circumstances. The good news is that God doesn't abandon us in our valleys. In fact, He often feels closer to us there than anywhere else. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."

Here's something interesting about valleys – they're temporary. You won't stay there forever. And when you do eventually emerge, you'll often look back and see how God was working even when you couldn't see it at the time. Romans 8:28 doesn't promise that all things are good, but that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Sometimes the "good" isn't apparent until much later, but God is always working.

Maybe you're in a valley right now. Maybe it feels like it's been going on forever, and you're wondering if there's any point to it all. Let me encourage you: there is value in your valley. God hasn't forgotten you, and this isn't the end of your story. The same God who promises to "restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you" after you've suffered (1 Peter 5:10) is with you right now in your valley. Trust Him with the process, even when you can't see the purpose. After all, it's often in our lowest moments that we discover our highest calling. And sometimes, the very valley that feels like it's going to destroy us becomes the place where we find the deepest, most authentic version of ourselves – and of our faith.

How to Walk Through Your Valley

Here are some simple, practical steps to help you endure and grow during a valley season:

1. Stay in God’s Word Let Scripture be your anchor. Even if you don’t feel like reading long passages, cling to short promises like Psalm 23 or Romans 8:28. God’s Word brings light to dark places.

   
   

2. Pray Honestly God can handle your questions, frustrations, and even your anger. The psalms are full of raw, honest prayers from people in their valleys. Don't feel like you have to put on a spiritual mask. God can handle your raw emotions. Don’t be afraid to tell Him exactly how you feel—your doubts, fears, and frustrations. Authentic prayer builds intimacy with Him.

   
   

3. Lean on Community Valleys can make us want to isolate, but that's when we need others the most. Allow people to walk along with you, pray for you, and remind you of God's faithfulness when your memory fails.

   
   

4. Look for God’s Hand When you can't see the big picture, focus on the daily evidences of God's care. Train your eyes to notice small blessings along the way. Maybe it's a friend who calls at just the right time, an unexpected blessing or provision that comes your way, or simply the strength to get through yet another day. Valleys can still hold glimpses of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

   
   

5. Keep Walking Remember Psalm 23:4: “I walk through the valley.” Don’t set up camp in despair. Take one step at a time, trusting that God is leading you out. I hope to see you on the mountain top!