The valley experience simply must happen. The valley experience, speaks to us about humblings and trials that are used for our personal growth.

In Isaiah‘s prophecy, there is a catchy phrase he uses that I had to think about. In verses 22:1 and 22:5, I read the phrase “the valley of vision.” Isaiah calls Jerusalem “the valley of vision.” A “valley” for the city was surrounded on all sides by mountains. As a matter of fact, the land of Judah has many valleys!

“The burden against the valley of vision. What ails you now, that you have gone up to the housetops?” Isaiah 22:1.

“For it is a day of trouble, and of trampling down, and of doubt by Jehovah of Hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountain,” Isaiah 22:5.

In this passage Jerusalem is called the valley “of vision” because here God revealed His divine plans to the prophets. But I must admit, the phrase “the valley of vision” is a strange expression!

Visions do not usually come from the depths of valleys, but from the heights of mountains. It’s here at the top of mountains that we behold the beauty and majesty of God’s marvelous creation. It is from this advantage point looking down that the might and greatness of God’s purpose for our lives may be clearly seen.

But as I grow older, I am more convinced than ever that the most magnificent and significant of all visions come not from the mountain heights but from the depths of the valley that we Christians are called upon to go through.

It is here that we learn more about the closeness of God, the faithfulness of God, and the abundance of God. I like this quote; “Elevation is not everything.”

It’s in the valleys that we find the strength to struggle and the courage to continue. In the depth of the valley we discover new and fresh ways the lessons God would have us grow mature in once learned.

The valley experience is never easy, but we as Children of God need to remember that nothing grows on the mountain top where the ground is rocky and barren. But down in the valley, the ground is fertile and spiritual.

The valley is rarely a fond memory or experience, but it is always a fruitful one. Here is an interesting fact to consider: When our Lord was walking to Gethsemane, where His praying brought sweat and actual drops of blood, he passed through the valley of Hinnon. The Greek word used for “Hinnon” is also the word used for “Gehenna or Hell”.

This symbolizes to us that we were snatched from hell by the trip Christ made to Calvary. This also symbolizes to us that the garbage in our lives is burned away in the valley and we are led into a spiritual maturity and new growth. The valley experience eliminates pride, self esteem and self reliance. ( ouch! )

Our “sure-footedness” will only come from learning humbly from the Lord exactly how to navigate both the up and down of the steep terrain of life’s mountains.

Lord of the Mountains and valleys! Help us to never lose the close bond with you in our hearts when the valleys of life appear to be dry and no longer fresh, like the mountain top lake. Speak purpose to us in the valley of our brokenness and give us fresh vision to see what you desire to do with our pruned lives and humble waiting.

You alone are our only True Guide and hope.

 

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

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” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

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