Biblically speaking, a valley can sometimes be symbolic for a difficult circumstance. But even in the valleys, God is with us.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4, KJV)
Elah
Consider the Valley of Elah. This valley is where David confronted and defeated the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2). This represents the valley of conflict.
Achor
Think of the Valley of Achor. This is the valley where Achon, who hid plunder in his tent (a symbol of hidden sin), was stoned to death along with his family. Achon paid a price for his disobedience. The valley where he was stoned was named after him (Joshua 7:26). The valley of Achon is the Valley of Consequence
Siddim
Then there’s the Valley of Siddim. Now Bible scholars debate on the exact location of Sodom and Gomorrah. But those wicked cities were either right in or at least near to the valley of Siddim. The valley of Siddim was also known to have slime pits (Genesis 14:1-3; 10). This is the Valley of Corruption.
Eschol
The Valley of Eschol is where some Israelites decided to settle instead of crossing over into the land that God had promised them. Promising to later join those who would continue on to battle, some made the choice to stay behind (Numbers 32:9). All of us will face the Valley of Choice.
Kidron
Finally, there’s the Valley of Kidron. The Valley of Kidron was the location of a cemetery (2 Kings 23:6). Graves can be symbolic for death, despair, and heaviness. Kidron is the Valley of Crushing.
The promise of the gospel isn’t a perfect life of health, wealth, and happiness. Does God prosper His people? Yes. Does God heal? Absolutely. Is the Holy Spirit the source of lasting joy? Of course. But this does not mean that the believer will never travel through the valleys of life.
We will face terrifying conflict, harsh consequences, tempting corruption, difficult choices, and character-building crushing. But even in these valleys, God is with us.
You never have to face conflict without God, Who fights your battles for you.
You never have endure consequence without grace, which can bring you out of trouble - even trouble you caused for yourself.
You never have to stand in the midst of corruption - corrupt systems, corrupt work places, corrupt people - without the power to resist the temptation of that corruption.
You never have to make a choice without the backing of divine wisdom.
You never have to endure crushing tragedies without the comfort of the Holy Spirit Who gives you the breath of strength and joy.
For you, there is no conflict without protection, no consequence without grace, no corruption without strength to resist, no choice without guidance, and no crushing without joy.
Even when you walk through the valley, even there, He is with you.
ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.