Valleys of Life

I would like to talk to you today about

Valleys. God performed his greatest

miracles in the valley. Battles are fought

and won in the valleys. One of Joshua’s

greatest victories was in the valley of

Ajalon when God lengthened the day

at Joshua’s command. David won the

victory in the valley of Salt as he fought

Goliath.

We do not relish the valleys. There is

temptation to all to be on the mountain

top. Socially, academically, and financially.

Jesus’ own disciples were status seekers,

but Jesus taught them humility that they

might be prepared for the valleys as well

as the mountain top. When he washed

their feet, it embarrassed them. Peter

admonished “Not mine, Lord.” They

discovered that true success consists not

in dwelling on the heights, but in ministering

to the afflicted in the valley. How easy it is

for us to become lofty with our own

accomplishments. Jesus desires to bring

us down safely from our heights of self-

importance by teaching us the service of

washing feet as he did Peter.

Life does not avoid valleys. King David

cried out, “Though I walk through of the

valley of the shadow of death, I will fear

no evil for thou art with me.” Even before

that day, we will pass through valleys.

Valleys deep, some wider. Barriers will

crumple as we depend on one another, and

on our Lord.

Father, we thank you, that you descend

to walk through the valleys of life with

those who call upon your Name.

Amen.