There are two different types of “valleys” in life. There are the valleys we make for ourselves, and there’s the valleys that the Lord sometimes allows us to be in. Neither type of valley is fun, but the Lord always provides us with a choice: To dwell on the dreariness of the valley or to place our trust, our hope, and our focus on Him.

The Valleys We Make for Ourselves

If you’re like me, you tend to put yourself in a valley at times. Here’s what I mean:

If someone has ever said something to offend you or hurt your feelings, do you dwell on it? Soak in it? Chew on it all day and all night and all the next morning and on into the afternoon? If you’ve ever said or done something you’ve regretted, and you’ve apologized for it later and asked the Lord for forgiveness, knowing full well He is faithful to forgive when we confess and repent, do you still dwell on it? Do you still feel so guilty that perhaps you are unable to fall asleep at night? Are you prone to anxiety, stressing over the little things? Are you sometimes quick to anger and impatience? If an argument has been resolved, forgiveness has been granted, and that argument has been “buried in the sand”, is it really buried in the sand, or have you held it in a dark corner of your heart and allowed bitterness to take root?

I think we’ve all been there, right? I know I have! I’ve been in all those situations listed above and find it so easy in those moments to make my bed inside a dark valley and dwell on every word spoken, every feeling felt, thinking, “Oh woe is me!” There is nothing that will steal your joy and your peace faster than making and dwelling in your own valley. And the sad part is, these are valleys the Lord does NOT place us in. These are valleys the Lord does NOT want us in! While the valleys the Lord puts us in are for our good, even if it may not feel like it at the time, the valleys of our own making are harmful. The valleys of our own making puts a strain in our relationship and our walk with God. When we dwell on our own valleys, we aren’t able to love God and love others in the way the Lord commands, and, therefore, we aren’t able to glorify Him. We won’t be able to rejoice in the Lord, and we won’t find rest until we get out of those valleys.

The Valleys the Lord Intends for Us

Sometimes, we are placed in valleys that we cannot control. We can’t climb out of these valleys; we are in them for a reason. Whether we are grieving the loss of a loved one, walking through financial stress, working overtime to make ends meet, or battling sickness, we can rest in the knowledge given in Isaiah 43:2 and 49:16: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” | “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.”

But even in the valleys I cannot control, I find it so easy to dwell on the valleys. You know how we are called to be IN the world but not OF the world? Well, sometimes, we are called to be IN a valley, but a valley is NEVER meant to be our home.

Jesus says in John 14:3, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Ah, home! He is Home! What a comfort!

So How Can I Prevent Myself From Dwelling on the Valleys?

It’s simple. Simple, yes, but easy, no. Here are several verses to refer to when you are in a valley:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

“Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. …Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:4,6-8

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Matthew 6:26

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17

If you have created for yourself a valley, run to Jesus! If you are in a valley you must walk through, run to Jesus! Remember, dear friend, when you are in a valley, you don’t have to dwell on the darkness of your surrounding, if only you remember to look upward at the Light of Christ. He will not abandon you. He is your Home.

Run to Jesus!