May 15
Lush Valleys
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”
I was on a train traveling through the mountains of northern Japan. It was early spring and the sun had just shown its face over the mountainside revealing lush green grass down in the valley below. It was a beautiful sight for my eyes to see for it had been some time since we had seen the green grass of the earth. Our journey through Japan had been a difficult one, and I was spiritually tired, and my heart was deeply saddened over the spiritual state of the people. My grandfather lay dying back in our homeland, and I longed to be there with my family, and to be there with him as he went to be with the Lord, but I knew I was accomplishing God’s purpose for our lives at that moment. And so my heart was heavy .
As my eyes were enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, He showed me a marvelous truth. The sheep were grazing down in that valley that lay beneath the mountain. They were in that valley because when the snow melts atop those mountains that precious water runs down those steep slopes filling those valleys making the grass lush and green. It was as if God spoke to my heart that day: “The green pastures are not found upon the mountain tops, they are found down in the valleys.”
How strong the Psalmist’s words became to my heart in that moment. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me.” The Psalmist knew that in the valleys are the most satisfying and richest feedings for God’s lambs. He knew this because he was a shepherd. He knew that the shepherd never leaves his sheep, even in the darkest of valleys. Listen to these words once again; “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me.”
I love those words, “You are with me.” There is only one thing that sheep need, and that is their shepherd. These are God’s love words to you, dear one. You never walk the valleys alone when you are God’s child and it is there that your hungry soul will be strengthened and satisfied. Your greatest times of spiritual growth will come when you are in those valleys, not when you’re up on the mountaintops. The valleys are the pathways to the mountains. Embrace your valleys as God’s divine appointments of strengthening and renewing your soul. God intends for us to live in the lush valleys not up on the mountaintops. God doesn’t make barren valleys. We must pass through the valleys if we’re ever to reach the mountain.
Feed me Lord in the valleys of your green pastures.
Pearls of Grace is a book of devotions for the entire year, including a read through the Bible in a year calendar, broken down for every day. Beautifully written with encouraging words of hope and empowering words of joy and strength for every woman. Pam draws from the truth and richness of God's Word and gives real life examples in her down to earth style. A must have in your library, click here for more information.
For more from Pam Jenkins and Jabbok Ministries, please visit www.jabbokministries.com!
Listen to Pam Jenkins's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
For more from Pam Jenkins and Jabbok Ministries, please visit www.jabbokministries.com!
Listen to Pam Jenkins's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
