The Valley of Blessing

Today: 2 Chronicles 18-20

"Expect the unexpected" is often a phrase quoted in reality TV game shows. Maybe it's a phrase that could apply to the Bible as well. In today's passage, I noticed something I hadn't seen before: A reference to the Valley of Blessing.

Think about it: The concept of a Valley of Blessing is unexpected. Most of the time, mountains are associated with blessings--not valleys. Kids still play "King of the Mountain." People talk about "peak performances" as synonymous with triumph. In the Bible, Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion are referred to as places where God dwells. And conversely, valleys are used to describe major lows or disappointments...like "the valley of shadow and death" (Psalm 23).

In this passage, there's a place named the Valley of Blessing. Why?

The Valley of Blessing represents God's unexpected favor and miraculous power in the midst of trial. In the actual valley described in chapter 20, God's people were surrounded by armies from three neighboring countries trying to attack them--it's like being in the midst of a world war with no (visible) allies. Talk about a valley! I'm sure some of the people felt afraid, overwhelmed, or doomed to die. They trusted God anyway. He confused the enemy armies, so they attacked each other--and Judah was saved.

I've talked with some people lately who experienced their own versions of the Valley of Blessing--people who faced stress, trial and overwhelming fear, but were blessed by God and His peace in the midst of a valley.

If you're in a valley at the moment, look for the blessings. God's a big God--He doesn't just reserve blessings for mountaintop moments. He can show up to stand with you in your valley and overwhelm you with His love.

Tomorrow: 2 Chronicles 21-24

Mourning the enemy

Today: 2 Samuel 1-3

Do you have an "us versus them" mentality?

Lately I've noticed that it's common practice for people to dehumanize those who have opposing views. Republicans do it to Democrats, women do it to men and Christians do it to non-Christians (and vice versa on all of these comparisons, too!). When a battle of ideas becomes a battle to demonize people, it's wrong.

If anyone had an excuse to hate his enemies, it was David. After all, God (via the prophet Samuel) chose David as king while Saul was still on the throne. Saul repeatedly tried to kill David even though David continually treated him with respect and kindness. David did absolutely nothing to justify Saul's rage.

But when Saul died (at the hands of a "mercy" killer), David mourned. He recognized that Saul was anointed by God.

You and I may face opposition from people in our lives. More than likely, they're not trying to kill us. And more than likely, they're not kings or spiritual leaders anointed by God. But if they are human beings, they were created by God. He made something good in them and called them to pursue a purpose. Don't strip your "enemies" of their God-given humanity. Dare to see their potential, celebrate their successes and mourn the loss of any of that God-designed greatness.

Tomorrow: 2 Samuel 4-7