Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalms 23:4 NLT

As a college student, I had the opportunity to hike the Sangre De Cristo mountains in southern Colorado. The highlight of the trip was leaving our packs at the saddle of Blanca Peak and and hiking to the top at 14,350 feet. The view was breathtaking.  We could see for miles.  Although the hike to the peak was a “bucket list” highlight, the journey would not have been possible without spending time preparing and planning in our base camp, located in the valley.

We often long for the mountaintop experience while forgetting we must daily live in the valley.  The top is only attainable with trials.  We experience the summit only after the struggle.  The perspective from the peak comes after pathways through the plateaus.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, “The storm breaks on the mountain, but the valley is the place of quietude.  The mountain is bleak and bare, but the valley is rich with golden sheaves, and many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to the valley than he ever knew while on the mountaintop.”

Our look from the mountaintop may be breathtaking, only because our life in the valley is a blessing..

We Grow In The Valley.  

Our life growth occurs in the everyday valley.  King Solomon wrote to his young bride, “I went down to the grove of walnut trees and out to the valley to see the new spring growth, to see whether the grapevines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom.” (Song of Songs 6:11 NLT).   Our growth comes from His grace.  Peter reminds us, “you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet 3:18 NLT). Our valleys are a place to grow and find grace.

We Rest In The Valley.  

The psalmist understood that grace given in the valley prepares us for the grueling climb of the mountain.  David wrote, “He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.” (Ps 23:2-3 NLT)  Take time to rest, refocus and refresh.  The valley is a place of renewal, not regret.

We Heal In The Valley.  

As Moses led the children of Israel to the land of promise, he was only able to preview it, not possess it.  As he gave instructions to Joshua, Moses wisely reminded him of the needed experience of God’s healing grace.  He wrote, “That’s why we have stayed in this valley near Beth Peor.” (Deut 3:29 MSG).  He is our Healer, our Helper and our Hope.  Isaiah reminds us that God will “fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” (Is 40:4 NLT). While we are in our valleys, He will straighten what is bent and He will smooth what has been rough.

The psalmist encouraged that we have no fear while walking through the darkest valley.  David was assured of God’s presence and protection.  He wrote, “I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”  It’s time to replace fear with faith.

If today is a valley day . . . grow, rest, heal . . . He is with you.  

Your journey to the mountaintop is about to begin.