Looking for Victory in the Valley (Part 4)

By Justin Pratt, Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor

We often take things for granted until we experience them firsthand. We hear stories about love, loss, struggles and joy from others, but until we go through them ourselves, we do not fully understand their depth. For instance, we may read the words, “God will never leave or forsake us,” but we only truly grasp the meaning of this promise after enduring a hardship that makes it resonate in our own lives.

A breathtaking sunset might seem like just another pretty picture until we stand on a mountaintop watching the sky explode with vibrant colors. The exhaustion of working long hours to achieve a dream may sound complex, but it is only when we push through sleepless nights and moments of doubt that we truly appreciate the effort required for success. Simple comforts—like the warmth of home—are often overlooked until we spend time away and find ourselves missing them.

Experience has a unique way of revealing the true value of things we once overlooked. Valleys are a perfect example of this. We never truly learn to appreciate the significance of a valley until we can look back from the mountain. It is from that vantage point that we realize valleys teach us lessons that mountains never could.

David was in Ziklag during a challenging time, as described in 1 Samuel 30. This passage teaches us that valleys in life are not meant to defeat us; rather, they are opportunities for learning. David found victory even when faced with overwhelming adversity: his family had been taken captive, his soldiers were disheartened and contemplated stoning him, and his entire city had been burned to the ground. Despite these circumstances, David achieved victory through four key actions:

1. He found strength in the Lord. Even on one of the darkest days of his life, David was able to draw upon his deep relationship with God. He recalled times when God had demonstrated His sovereignty, power and faithfulness. This understanding of the God he loved and served helped him navigate his struggles.
2. David sought wisdom to determine his direction. In life, we often encounter moments of uncertainty where we don’t know what to do next. During such times, it is wise to seek God for guidance regarding our next steps. Inquiring about God’s perfect will is crucial for finding victory in challenging situations.
3. After finding strength and seeking direction, he continued to serve others. Despite his personal pain and hardship, David used his experience in the valley to empathize with others. He recognized the importance of serving those around him even when facing his own difficulties.

In one final attempt to escape the dark place he found himself in, David took a decisive step. He secured himself in the goodness of God. At that moment, his army, originally 600 strong, was reduced to 400, as 200 of his men were too exhausted—both mentally and physically—to continue. Despite the daunting size of the Amalekite army and the fact that a third of his men were unable to fight, David chose to move forward. He focused on the strength of his God rather than the overwhelming odds against him.

Sometimes in life, the most effective way to leave your valley is to stop focusing on the size of your battle and start putting your faith in the greatness of your God. Stop being consumed by your weakness and see Jehovah’s power. Don’t be discouraged by your limited resources and remember the God who fights for you owns it all. Don’t permit yourself to be stifled by your shortage when you can be encouraged by God’s sovereignty. Acknowledging God’s power over focusing on our predicament, we are positioning ourselves to leave our current valley and know how to be prepared when the next one comes. It’s my prayer that every person who has read this series will not only look for a way out of a valley but will find it and live in the victory that God has for those who trust in Him.