A Peace the Valley Cannot Take

There is something worse than fighting the devil, it is your own thoughts.

In chapter 6 of Pilgrims Progress, Christian is in the worst place he could ever be, the Valley of the shadow of Death.  

What is the Valley?

The valley is the lowest point between two mountains. Historically, many wars were fought in the valley, like the American civil war, Vietnam War, World War II, and it was in the Valley of Elah that David defeated Goliath.

Christian did not fear to be in the valley, because like the Psalmist he knew,

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” Psalm 23:4

Notice David describes the valley as the shadow of death. A shadow reflects something that is not truly there. In the valley Christian saw people bound in chains and screaming out of misery. He saw shapes of terrifying monsters, which was all but the silly fingers of the devil making frightening shapes.

Christian knew this and was therefore not afraid, because the Lord was with Him.

This meant Christian was in constant communion with God, and God was constantly engaging his mind to think on subjects that took his mind away from his fears. No one will ever realise how truly God is with them, until they pick up the Bible and see how God understands their circumstances. God was not with Christian for a moment, but God lived with Christian as He dwelt in his presence. He therefore gain a confidence, if any demonic power was to hurt him, it first had to knock down His God.

To fear, Christian would have dishonoured the power of God that was working for him. God does not always remove what frightens us, because in the delay He wants to stretch our faith, just as He was doing to the Israelite, when He promised that He would remove their enemies little by little (Deuteronomy 7:21-22)

I have often found when I have thought the worst would become from something, I have wasted energy, and time in anxious thoughts, that did not get me anywhere. Sadly, instead of taking the issue to God and laying it at His feet, I forfeited a peace that long could have been mine, only if I had patiently waited and said, “Lord, I know this one will pass like the others. Give me strength to endure a little longer."

My good friend, let us not reject a peace that could be ours for a trouble, which in the hands of God is but a dust.