The Great Outdoors—Valleys by David Jeremiah

The Great Outdoors—Valleys

AUGUST 25, 2018

I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys.
Isaiah 41:18

 Recommended Reading: Isaiah 41:17-20

“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome,” said Helen Keller. “The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”

To travelers enjoying the great outdoors, valleys are a sight to behold. Certain websites suggest the most beautiful valleys in the world. Usually, the list includes the Valley of Geysers, a remarkable nearly four-mile long basin in the Russian Far East with ninety pulsating geysers sending plumes of steam into the air like tea kettles.

All of us occasionally end up in our own Valley of Geysers. Valleys are symbols of suffering and shadows. But when we’re walking with God, He creates rivers from the heights and fountains in the valleys. Isaiah 41, addressed to people in captivity, assures us that God knows how to refresh us in the valley as well as on the mountaintop. If you’re in a valley today, remember, “Though I walk through the valley…I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4).

Valleys are great places to enjoy your walk with God.

Jesus will walk with me down through the valley.
Haldor Lillenas in the hymn, “Jesus Will Walk With Me”