Oftentimes it seems as if the valleys in the physical world can be easier to endure than emotional valleys. A physical valley usually can be seen in advance. As you walk down a hillside, you can see ahead how steep the terrain is. You can choose to cut out a path of switchbacks to make the journey easier if necessary, if someone hasn’t already done so for you. Mentally, you can prepare for the descent.

In contrast, spiritual valleys seem to come into existence without warning, as if a fog clouded the view and your feet suddenly slip from beneath you. Out of nowhere, you tumble down the hillside without feeling the effects of the fall until breathing in the earthy soil which has collided with your face. The ache is overwhelming.

Being a Christian does not ensure a blissfully happy life. But non-believers aren’t assured of that either. This world is full of reminders that it cannot sustain us nor can it provide for all of our needs. Around every corner is another facade attempting to satisfy our needs: the places we go, things we see, and people we encounter. Although joy can be found in every circumstance of life, these temporal things cannot fulfill us. When we constantly seek and attempt to fill our cup with worldly things, we will consistently be disappointed. 

So what do you do? How do you navigate out of the valley? I have found that reading scripture, praying for hours, and turning on Christian music sometimes is just not enough. I search for all of the things that I could do to gain the attention of Christ. I find myself thinking “maybe I just need to pray more or read more or listen more….” My effort leaves me exhausted and empty.

In my weakness, I lay everything down and realize that there is nothing I can do that will bring me out of this valley.

No action on my part will heal my hurt.

Attempting to climb the steep hillside will only bring me back to where I began.

So I surrender.

I lie down in the green pasture, accepting this is where I am.

It is within this surrender that I can be led by still waters.

Here I find that I am led into paths of righteousness, not for my name’s sake, but for His alone.

In this valley, I am no longer striving to go my own way but go wherever I am led. I had to stop trying to get to Jesus on my own terms. I had to stop holding so tightly to every thought and desire and want and expectation, and just be still.

It is here that I find that He has made every provision for me. I am reminded that His goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. When my life has ended, I will dwell with Him forever.

It is here that I find rest in my Shepherd who restores my soul.