Are You in the Valley?
There is so much going on around us, in life, and within our
own lives. It seems it’s turmoil and
something everywhere you look. When it
hits home, I call that a “valley experience.”
I have discovered that valley experiences can enhance our spiritual
growth - if we allow it. It’s not what you are going
through, it’s how you deal with what you’re going through. Sometimes we end up in a valley experience
not because of choices we directly made, but through the choices our children,
spouses, and others – leaving us indirectly impacted and with a feeling of being in a lonely and cold world.
Currently, I am journeying through a valley experience and
it doesn’t feel good at all. I will name
this valley, Hurt. Within this valley,
be mindful there are other roads within i.e. fear, frustration, anger, loneliness;
and if you go deep in the valley, there is hate, suicidal thoughts, and other
areas of intensity. One thing I have
learned is a visit in the valley is a personal journey. Others don’t understand because it’s not
their journey. Even if they were
journeying in the valley, too, it is still a different effect. For example, I am in the valley due to
choices of a son. He also has a
wife. We are both journeying through the
valley, but it is a different experience for each. It takes me back to the story in the Bible of
Ruth and Naomi – but not with that exact specifics. You see, my daughter-n-law, Nikki is from
Hungary and we share an individual. We
are, temporarily, without her husband and my son; but Nikki and I have bonded
with each other to bond and encourage him – pass the roadblock. I’m talking about those things that prevent
us from doing, seeing, being, and etc.
It’s an awesome experience, because in the midst, there is opportunity
for me to minister the word of God to both.
And when there is a need, Niki also encourages me. And when there is a need, Alonzo encourages
us and we encourage him. All three are
on separate roads, but in a valley journey.
It doesn’t matter if you have already been through a particular
valley, it still is a different experience.
As I am traveling, I have to be very careful to balance my emotions, be
in self-control, be watchful and prayerful at ALL times. I must realize that the Lord is my
Shepherd. I will fear no evil for thy
rod and thy staff comforts me. You see,
while journeying in the valley, it is a lonely place to be. This is when you see who is there to
encourage you. Sometimes in the midst,
there will be days that no one is there.
These are the days that you must realize God is always there. He will never leave us nor forsake us. These are the days you must realize that God
wants us to lean on Him. God wants to
fill you with His love. He wants to give
you power. These are the days that if
you journey in the right mind, you will come out feeling and knowing that you
can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I am sharing my value experience now.
So the other day, my valley experience took control of
me. In other words, a big boulder came
and knocked me down. It placed me in a
daze and I went down the road of sadness, took a left onto the road of
depression, and made a u-turn on the road of loneliness. After sitting and trying to figure which way
to go, I looked over and got a glimpse of a neighborhood named “Poverty.” That’s when I realized that I shouldn’t
expect anything from man but expect all things from God through Jesus Christ. Most people can’t encourage me or you because
they are living in “Poverty.” I used to
live there, but I knew and know “Poverty” is not my destination. I am talking about spiritual
poverty. Here is my revelation: If one is journeying through life on the road
of spiritual poverty, I pray you will make a choice to take another route. For if and when you do, you will find there
is nobody greater…
To complete my story - In this valley, as I sat still,
unable to move, oppressed, in deep thought, not knowing which way to turn, and
all sorts of negative fiery darts coming at me – playing with my mind, I began to
cry out to God for help! I was led to
listen to some gospel music and journal.
Personally, I love spiritual music because it ministers to my spirit. It has to be songs with an encouraging and
empowering message. I also like to
write. Writing is therapy for me and it
also is used to empower others. So after
crying out to God for help, I was able to start moving again. I started moving by faith and not by sight. I started moving toward the mark of the
higher calling. I realize that my eyes
haven’t seen nor my ears have heard ALL that God has planned for me. There is so much more and it is worth
fighting for. I am fight the good
fight! God’s grace and mercy will carry
me, you, your children, and anyone else in need, through the valley. God’s grace and mercy is sufficient!
The next time you are in the “Valley” – and there will be a
next time - remember that’s when God will communicate to/with you most. Don’t look for too many others to be there
with/for you because you will be let down.
Most people are living in spiritual poverty. God just may have taken you to the “Valley”
so that He can use you to encourage others – but you must first learn how to Encourage Yourself!
More importantly, in
the midst of journeying through the “Valley,”
praise God anyhow for nothing happens unless God allows it; and God
allows all things for our good and for His glory.
Heavenly Father…
Great is your mercy towards me!
Your love and kindness toward
me!
Your tender mercies I see day
after day!
Always providing for me
Great is your mercies toward me!
