The Valley Experience

In this course, we will examine the valley experience found in Scripture.  I believe when the Scriptures speak of a valley, it is not speaking of a natural phenomenon but it is speaking of a principle or an experience that we as Christians must go through.  Moreover, it is in these valley experiences that we get a greater understanding of God’s ways and His purpose for our lives.  I have found in my own life this to be true, especially ministering to people all the time who go through difficulties.  You see, the Lord allows in His wisdom what He could prevent with His power for a greater purpose.  He allows us to go through valley experiences because in that time of desperation we learn to find Jesus, the “lily of the valleys” (Song of Solomon 2:1), and change for the better.  Many Christians go through tribulations and are ignorant that it could very well be part of the plan of God.  For example, in Mark 4:17 Jesus said, “affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake.”  In other words, God uses affliction to work His Word into our lives.  

There are many different valleys with tremendous lessons for all of us.  As disciples, we must learn how to sing in the valley because ultimately the valley is meant to be a “door of hope” for us (Hosea 2:15).  Therefore, the valley represents something other than a natural hole in the earth.  It represent an experience that we go through.  It is part of the dealings of God in our walk with Him.  There is much revelation in the Scripture about the valley experience.  It is not enough to just have an understanding of these valleys.  God wants us to overcome in our own personal valleys.  Our revelation must be married to situation. 

So dear student, as you study this principle about the valley experience to overcome in your own personal life, this principle will be yours.  So approach the Word of God as II Corinthian 3:18 says, “with an open [or unveiled] face” and allow this principle to be assimilated into your spiritual system.