Having just returned from exploring the lovely Smoky Mountains, I already miss traipsing through birdsong rich forests at high elevations and hiking invigorating mountain trails with Laz the Resurrection Dog.
But I’ve recently learned there’s an even better place to spend time than the mountaintop … the Valley of Blessing.
Yep, it’s a real place. A valley – a level, peaceful plane between stressfully high precipices, that doesn’t require striving to move forward. A safe place. A springboard for heartfelt gratitude. A haven of rest. Of healing and regrouping. Both physically and metaphorically. And most importantly, spiritually.
First mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:26, the Valley of Blessing was so named because Jehovah saved His people (Judah) from their enemies without one slash of their swords. In fact, the Hebrews, having been assured by a Holy Spirit-filled countryman that “the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chron. 20:15), were simply singing praise songs to their trusted Deliverer as they clumsily marched toward the enemy’s camp when the omnipotent God miraculously caused the enemy army to become so confused and disoriented that they turned on their fellow soldiers and destroyed themselves.
People sometimes do that when I’m singing too. [Ha!]
Seriously, the Hebrews were so overcome with joy that after they spent three days sorting out all the fabulous plunder-blessings left behind by the fleeing enemy army, they spent the fourth day gathering together for a massive Praisefest. There, in the valley between looming mountains, they profusely thanked God for His power and sovereignty in orchestrating their enemy’s shocking self-destruction and for restoring “peace on all sides” (2 Chron. 20:20) to their hearts.
They called this spontaneous worship place the “Valley of Blessing.”
Many of us are more intimately familiar with another biblical valley, the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” mentioned in Psalm 23. If you’re like me, you know that discouraging valley all too well. In fact, not long ago I found a Christmas newsletter to family and friends that I had written in 2005, expressing my thankfulness for a “noneventful” year outside the Valley of the Shadow of Death. A year of peace and solace and regrouping after many years of turmoil and heartbreak from six miscarriages. I was grateful to finally be creeping our from under the oppressive shadow that had descended over me in that valley of death rather than life.
I had entered the Valley of Blessing. And it was truly a blessed relief.
Since that time, I’ve relished my sweet reposes in the Valley of Blessing, even if brief. I hope you do too, my friend. For our trek through this holy valley is one of quiet praise and deeply rooted thanksgiving that we may cherish “peace on all sides,” even momentarily. We recognize and appreciate that this blessing is from our Lord God, and hold this marvelous blessing near and dear to our hearts. We can then sing and apply to ourselves the admonition of the spirit-filled Hebrew countryman:
“You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf … Do not fear or be dismayed … go out to face them [your enemies], for the LORD is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17 NASB).
Dearest BFF, when were times that you’ve dwelled in both valleys – the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and the Valley of Blessing? Which are you in today?
Thank you for this word. It is exactly what I need to share with two very special young women who are going through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. This scripture reminds us that there is a Valley of Blessing that God has for us to experience. We just have to stand still and trust Him to work. He has so much more in store for us than we can even think or imagine. ??
You are so right, Beth – the Valley of Blessing is a glorious place to be. But the hard part in getting there is to, like you say, stand still and trust Him to work. We feel that we must DO something and can hardly keep our hands off our swords. I will stop right now and pray for your two friends who are struggling through the Valley of the Shadow. My heart goes out to them. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Oh Beth, one more thing – did I tell you that you’re in my new devo, Bless Your Heart? This is from the July 31 reading called “Refusing to Water the Wallflower” referring to me in the 7th grade asking God for a special friend and he generously sent me three: “Jan was the gregarious, brave socialite who was the antithesis to my wallflower. She coaxed me out of my stifling cocoon and into butterfly-hood. Beth was the beautiful, multi-talented soul, inside and out, who made me feel like I had potential to be or do anything God had in store for me. Amy was the faithful, gentle blessing who was always there by my side, encouraging and supporting me in my sometimes crazy, half0baked ideas, as if I were actually someone worth listening to.” Beth, I don’t know if I’ve ever thanked you for the tremendous input you had on preteen and teenage me and what a priceless blessing I’ve always considered you. We don’t ever seem to get around to telling those special to us how very special they are. Now seems like a good time! Hugs to you, one of my very first BFFs (Blessed Friends Forever).