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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Valley (08/10/06)
When I was a child I thought a valley was a magnificent place to be. In my mind’s eye I could see a very picturesque scene, beautiful skies with amber waves of grain, cattle grazing in the distant and such. Of course the television show of the sixties call “Big Valley” might have had something to do with that. The valley had the choicest land and the worst thing that could happen would be a few cattle rustlers, or someone trying to illegally homestead.

Webster’s Dictionary defines valley as:

‘an elongated lowland between mountain ranges or hills, often having a river running along the bottom.’

Interesting that the Bible in Psalm 23 verse 4, ‘valley’ is used to denote a low period of a not so good season in one’s life. Everyone has had a valley, from the wealthiest to the poorest, the smartest to the not so bright. If you have breath in your body you will have “the valley” experience.

The good news is we have the promise that we are not alone in the valley according to the same verse. It is good to know that God is not only the God of the mountain ranges, but he is with me in the valleys. When I am riding high, taking the hills and the mountains by storm, I sometimes forget eventually there will be a valley. And when the lowland comes, I have trouble lying down in the green pastures, resting and waiting on Him. But I am not to camp out in the valley but go thru it. I am not to fear the shadows of depression, loneliness or even death. I have a guide that will lead me to the water that quenches and to the right path. Even while I am there His word corrects and is comforting to me. How good it is to know that even when I am in a valley, He prepares a table and anoints me right in front of my enemies! How sweet is that? Makes my cup run over with thanksgiving.

I think that maybe my childhood idea of a valley was correct. It can be picturesque and I can have what I want. After all goodness and mercy have followed, and will continue to follow me, all the days of my life. When I am through with the mountains and the valleys I will live forever in His house.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
08/17/06
A very nice exposition of the 23rd Psalm. I'd encourage you to avoid using dictionary definitions; rather, "define" the word by inference, and by using your own unique style.
Amy Nicholson
08/22/06
"I am not to camp out in the valley, but go through it..." Yes, yes, yes! This sweet little piece is encouraging and uplifting indeed! Good work!
Brenda Kern 
08/22/06
Expand the question of "Is a valley a good thing or a bad thing (Biblically or otherwise)?" Maybe you could include some real-life examples of times of challenge, triumph, or rest. (which wouldn't have to be soul-searchingly painful things)

Good thoughts here. Keep writing.
Marilyn Schnepp 
08/22/06
A beautiful description of a valley, and a nice devotional; just a few minor glitch's that need editing, but otherwise a very good job.