How to Grow Stronger in Prayer

Rev. Hardin

Passing Through the Valley

All Christians experience depressing, stressful situations throughout life. They are unavoidable, nor should we try to avoid them. A helpful portion of scripture to read is Psalm 84. Verse 6 speaks of the Valley of Baca, (interpreted as the "Valley of Tears). The most important words in this verse are "passing through"! Cheer Up Christian, you are only passing through.

Maturing in one's Christian experience follows both experiences of regeneration and entire sanctification. Those who have matured in Christ have done so because of a proper attitude toward the valley experiences. The spiritual dropouts did not backslide while enjoying the mountaintop emotions but while in the valley. The valley's can make or break us.

They give us an opportunity for heart searching. It seems that when things are running smooth, we become lax in our soul searching. It was the valley that caused David to pray, "Search me O God and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me the way everlasting". Your valley thoughts do not mean that you have failed the Lord, but they give incentive to search your hearts which is always beneficial.

These soul searching times often reveal weaknesses in our lives, thus enabling us to fortify those weaknesses and make new commitments to the Lord. Trials drive us to our knees. It is in prayer that we draw our only source of strength. This is the place that separates the maturing Christian from the backsliding Christian.

These valleys strengthen us for future spiritual battles. The Apostle Paul declared, "When I am weak, then I am strong". God's Power is seen best in weak people. To look back at the valleys that the Lord has brought us through is a proper look. These stressful situations develop in us inner Christian character. When we become more concerned about Christian character than our social standings of life, we will become more like our Lord.

Rev. Hardin