The Valleys of Life

They went up over the mountains; They went down into the valleys, To the place which You founded for them. - Psalm 104:8

In a physical definition, a valley is a low area between two hills, which can range from a few square miles to hundreds or even thousands of square miles in area. It is typically a low-lying area of land, surrounded by higher areas such as mountains or hills. It can also be a path between two mountains, or a depression in a single mountain. It is interesting to note that part of its physical landscape is a “depression.” Metaphorically, we often compare the valleys of life to the more depressing times in our lives. Why do we associate valleys with dark, deep crevasses that we need to dig ourselves out of? Why do we associate the level plains of our days as times of depression? 

We tend to long for the mountain top experiences of life. But even if we find them at times, we do not live there consistently. Let’s face it, we all love our mountain top experiences with God, but they are usually moments in time. We spend most of our days in the valleys. It is a fact—we live in the valleys, day in and day out. And if the greatest amount of our time is spent in the valleys, we need to discover how the Word of God is a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path” as we walk through them, holding God’s hand every step of the way. We can find great victory in the valleys when we keep our focus on the Lord and follow where He leads.

If you are in a valley today, pray this prayer:

Dear Lord, I know that You have created the valleys and the mountains. I know that You are with me and that You will never leave me. But, this place that I am in is dark, lonely and scary. I need Your touch, Your hand to guide me, and Your peace to surround me. Please help me to understand all that You have for me in this place and give me the strength to walk through it. Help me to wait on You and to not lose hope. I need Your help today. In Jesus name, Amen.

~Daily Disciples Devotional~