Is Your Valley Dry?

Sometimes how we envision something to be is actually the furthest from what it is.

I'm sure you've heard the story in the bible where God took Ezekiel out into a valley full of dry bones and then brought them to life. If you haven't you should definitely take a minute to read it. I woke up the other morning with this passage in my heart. 

Ezekiel 37:1-14

I feel it's important to start by telling you that when I do my bible studies, I like to read multiple versions of the bible to get a very dimensional view of what it is I'm reading. The words are similar but different in each version and sometimes can change the interpretation of the verse. Do with that information what you will. I find it beneficial for me to read each one to fully understand and comprehend what God wants to show me or tell me.

In many of the versions it reads that God took Ezekiel into the middle or the midst of a valley. In the King James Version, however, it says He took him to an 'open valley.' At first I didn't think much of it because ‘open’ would also refer to the fact that he was out in the middle of a valley. God kept bringing me back to that part in the passage. So, of course I had to dig deeper.

When you picture "a valley of dry bones"you probably envision barren land and it probably has a desert feel to it. Everything might be dusty and brown and looks like it's been abandoned. You might even see a tumbleweed blow across the land at one point or another. Let me tell you, if that's the case you're not alone. That's exactly how I pictured the scene myself. 

In my study time, I came across some very insightful information. Are you ready for a mini geographical lesson? An open valley is formed when a stream or river exits a canyon and deposits sediments onto the land. It fans out at the mouth of the canyon. So the area is wide open and contains nutrient-rich soil. The open valley also has direct access to a reliable water source. Valleys are ideal for sowing and harvesting.

What do you picture with that bit of information? Probably lush green grass. Beautiful trees? Colorful flowers? Maybe a river or stream in the background in a canyon?

How crazy is that contrast? The valley God led Ezekiel to would have been lush and green. Not brown and dusty. Now try to picture dry bones covering that landscape. It doesn't feel right, does it? How could the bones be dry when there’s an abundance of nutrients and water?

In the story, God told Ezekiel to prophesy over the dry bones the Word of God that He would rebuild them from where they are to make them whole. God had Ezekiel prophesy over them again and God filled them with breath and they lived. This vision that God gave was showing Ezekiel what He would do for Israel. Israel was dry. They were hopeless and disconnected from God. The bones are the body's foundation. They were dry because they had been without "water" for a long time. Jesus is the living water. 

There are many verses in the bible that refer to valleys. Most times they are places of hardships or trials. Valleys typically are referred to as the low spots in our life. If you think about it, the hard times are also when we feel like we need God the most. In our valleys we have direct access to a reliable water source - The Living Water (the best kind). Not that we don’t need God any other time, but when you're at your lowest that's when He knows you will need Him extra. 

When we're in the valley or at our lowest:

• We have direct connection to a reliable water source (The Living Water/Jesus)

• He provides everything we need constantly (deposits sediment)

• Because He is always providing, we have the perfect environment to grow and thrive

The thing is, we can be surrounded by anything we could ever need and have access to every resource under the sun - and still have dry bones if we don’t have a relationship with God. If we choose to seek Him, He will make us whole again, and He will breathe life back into us. We just have to take the initiative to seek Him first and foremost in the things we do.

As you go about your week, I want you to talk with God and ask Him to show you how He has supported you in the valleys. He’s always there, even when you don’t see Him or Feel Him. Maybe it was a financial burden that was met or maybe it was the strength to just make it through the day. It can be easy to overlook ways He has met our needs because we have put our own expectations on how we think He should show up. 

God is so good and He loves each of us more than we can imagine. His plan for us is good. Learning to trust that God has me covered no matter no matter what, has been an adventure to say the least. The cool thing is, God knows exactly what you need, when you need it, and His timing is always perfect. 

I pray that these words resonate with you and help shift your focus to the Living Water during your time in the valley. May you discover all the blessings God has in store for you. 

If this has inspired you, please share with a friend. Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

God Bless!