Finding Blessing and Growth in Life's Valleys

Summary

On this Independence Day weekend, gratitude is offered for the freedoms enjoyed in our nation, and prayers are lifted for those suffering from recent tragedies, asking God’s comfort and presence for the brokenhearted. As we gather, the focus turns to a reality every believer faces: the valleys of life—those seasons of difficulty, confusion, and pain. Contrary to what culture often tells us, valleys are not simply places of defeat or absence of God’s blessing. In fact, Scripture reveals that the valley can become a place of blessing, growth, and even abundance.

Looking at 2 Chronicles 20, after a miraculous victory, the people of Judah gathered in the Valley of Barak—a place that became known as the Valley of Blessing. They worshipped before and after the battle, bracketing their conflict with praise, showing that worship is both a weapon and a witness to God’s goodness. Similarly, Psalm 23 reminds us that God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, not after they are gone. The valley is not a contradiction to blessing; it is often the very place where God’s presence and provision are most real.

God’s ways are not our ways. He calls things that are not as though they are, as seen in His promise to Abraham. Faith does not deny the reality of the valley but trusts God’s truth to transform it. Growth happens in the valley, not on the mountaintop. The soil of hardship is where fruit is produced, where character is formed, and where God’s presence is most deeply experienced.

Even spiritual giants—Mother Teresa, Spurgeon, Luther, C.S. Lewis—have walked through valleys of silence, doubt, and despair. Yet, God’s blessing is not withheld in these seasons. Like Isaac, who sowed in famine and reaped a hundredfold, or Peter, who let down his net at Jesus’ word and saw supernatural increase, the call is to respond in faith under pressure. The valley is not meant to harm but to increase, to prepare for breakthrough and blessing. The challenge is to keep sowing, keep trusting, and keep letting down the net, even when it seems illogical. God is the one who brings the increase, and His church—His net—can handle whatever comes. The valley, in God’s hands, becomes a place of new beginnings, abundance, and victory.

Key Takeaways

- The Valley Is Not a Sign of God’s Absence
Difficult seasons often feel like abandonment, but the valley is frequently where God’s presence is most tangible. The times of brokenness and silence are not wasted; they are the very places where God draws near and reshapes us. Even when we cannot feel Him, He is with us, walking through the valley, not leaving us to camp there forever. [14:49]

- Faith Agrees with God, Not by Denying Reality, But Trusting His Truth
Faith does not mean pretending the valley isn’t real or that pain doesn’t exist. Instead, it means declaring God’s promises over our circumstances, trusting that His truth can change the facts. Like Abraham, who believed God’s word before seeing any evidence, we are called to trust in the God who creates new things out of nothing. [10:24]

- Growth and Fruitfulness Happen in the Valley
Mountaintop moments are celebrated, but true growth occurs in the valley. The rich soil of hardship produces fruit—character, humility, and deeper dependence on God. If you are in a valley, expect that God is cultivating something in you that could not be produced in easier times. [12:38]

- God’s Blessing Can Come in the Midst of Adversity
God does not always remove us from the valley; often, He blesses us in it. Like Isaac sowing in famine or David feasting in the presence of enemies, God’s provision and favor are not limited by our circumstances. The table He prepares is a sign of victory and honor, even when opposition remains. [20:46]

- The Faith Response Under Pressure: Keep Sowing, Keep Trusting
When under pressure, the temptation is to withdraw, complain, or give up. But the call is to keep sowing—time, service, forgiveness, love—even when it seems irrational. The breakthrough comes not because of the ground, but because of the God who gives the increase. Let down your net again at His word, and trust that He will bring the harvest. [30:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:52] - Opening Prayer and National Reflection
[04:00] - The Valley of Blessing: 2 Chronicles 20
[05:51] - The Reality of Valleys in Life
[06:48] - God’s Creative Power and Abraham’s Faith
[09:09] - God’s Promises Beyond Natural Evidence
[10:24] - Faith’s Agreement with God’s Truth
[11:43] - Why We View Valleys as Negative
[12:38] - Growth Happens in the Valley
[14:49] - God’s Presence in the Valley
[16:17] - Giants of Faith and Spiritual Dryness
[19:21] - God’s Blessing in the Valley
[20:46] - The Table in the Presence of Enemies
[21:37] - Isaac’s Hundredfold Harvest in Famine
[24:46] - Sowing in Hard Seasons
[28:22] - The Great Catch: Letting Down the Net
[30:03] - Faith Response: Obedience Under Pressure
[33:15] - God Brings the Increase
[35:45] - Watch Your Complaining in the Valley
[36:52] - God of New Beginnings and Salvation Invitation
[39:59] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Valley of Blessing

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### Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 20:26 (ESV)
> On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the Lord. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.

Psalm 23:4-5 (ESV)
> Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Luke 5:4-6 (ESV)
> And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

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### Observation Questions

1. In 2 Chronicles 20:26, what did the people of Judah do in the Valley of Beracah after their victory, and how did that change the meaning of the valley? ([04:00])
2. According to Psalm 23, where does God prepare a table for David, and what does this setting reveal about God’s presence during adversity? ([20:46])
3. In Luke 5, what was Simon Peter’s initial response to Jesus’ instruction to let down the nets, and what happened when he obeyed? ([29:11])
4. The sermon mentions that even spiritual giants like Mother Teresa and C.S. Lewis experienced valleys of silence and doubt. What does this suggest about the universality of difficult seasons for believers? ([16:17])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the people of Judah chose to worship both before and after the battle in the Valley of Beracah? What does this say about the role of worship in times of struggle? ([04:00])
2. The sermon says, “The valley is not a sign of God’s absence. At times, it’s easy to think so. It’s often a place where his presence is most real.” How does this challenge common assumptions about suffering and God’s nearness? ([14:49])
3. The story of Isaac sowing in famine (Genesis 26) and Peter letting down his net again (Luke 5) both involve acting in faith when it seems illogical. What do these stories teach about the relationship between faith and circumstances? ([21:37] / [29:11])
4. The sermon points out that growth and fruitfulness happen in the valley, not on the mountaintop. Why might God choose to use hardship as the soil for spiritual growth? ([12:38])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “God can bless you in the midst of the troubled season.” Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s provision or presence during a difficult period? How did it change your perspective? ([19:21])
2. When you are in a “valley” season, what is your usual response—do you tend to withdraw, complain, or keep sowing and trusting? What would it look like for you to “let down your net again” in your current situation? ([30:03])
3. The people of Judah bracketed their battle with worship—before and after. How could you intentionally incorporate worship or gratitude into your own times of struggle? ([04:00])
4. The sermon warns about “complaining in the valley.” What are some practical ways you can guard your heart and speech when you feel discouraged or frustrated? ([35:45])
5. The message highlights that faith does not deny reality but trusts God’s truth to transform it. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to declare God’s promises, even though you don’t see evidence yet? ([10:24])
6. The story of Isaac sowing in famine and Peter fishing again both required obedience that didn’t make sense. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that feels risky or illogical? What would it take for you to step out in faith? ([21:37] / [29:11])
7. The sermon says, “The valley, in God’s hands, becomes a place of new beginnings, abundance, and victory.” What is one step you can take this week to trust God for a new beginning in an area that feels like a valley? ([36:52])

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Devotional

Day 1: God Blesses Us Even in the Valley

Difficult seasons and valleys in life are not signs of God’s absence or disfavor; in fact, they are often the very places where God’s presence, comfort, and blessing are most real. While our culture equates success with ease and mountaintop moments, true spiritual growth and fruitfulness often happen in the low places—where we are humbled, where we listen, and where God reshapes us. The valley is not a place to camp out in defeat, but a place to walk through, trusting that God is with us and will bring us out stronger, with new blessings and deeper faith. [13:39]

Psalm 23:4-6 (ESV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel you are in a valley right now, and how can you look for God’s presence and blessing in the midst of it today?


Day 2: Faith Under Pressure—Trusting God Beyond Circumstances

Faith is not about denying the reality of our struggles, but about trusting God’s truth and promises to change our circumstances, even when there is no natural evidence to support hope. God’s creative power is such that He calls things that do not exist as though they already do, and He invites us to declare His word over our impossible situations. Like Abraham, who believed God’s promise before seeing any evidence, we are called to trust in God’s authority and speak faith even when everything around us seems contrary. [09:09]

Romans 4:17 (ESV)
As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Reflection: What is one “impossible” situation you are facing, and how can you declare God’s promises over it today, trusting Him beyond what you see?


Day 3: Sowing in Hard Seasons—Obedience Brings Blessing

When circumstances look grim and the ground seems dry, God calls us to continue sowing—giving, serving, loving, forgiving—even when it feels foolish or irrational. Isaac planted seed during a famine, trusting God more than the circumstances, and received a hundredfold return because of his obedience and faith. The real story is not about the ground, but about the God who gives increase; blessing comes not because of favorable conditions, but because of God’s faithfulness to those who trust and obey Him in the valley. [24:46]

Genesis 26:12 (ESV)
And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him.

Reflection: Where is God asking you to “sow” in your life right now, even though it feels risky or unwise, and what step of obedience can you take today?


Day 4: Letting Down Your Nets Again—Responding in Faith

When we feel weary, discouraged, or like our efforts have failed, Jesus calls us to let down our nets again in faith, trusting His word above our own understanding. Peter and the other fishermen had worked all night and caught nothing, but at Jesus’ command, they let down their nets once more and experienced a miraculous catch. Our faith response in the valley is to keep trusting, forgiving, loving, and serving—not because it always makes sense, but because Jesus says so. Breakthrough and blessing come not from the ground, but from the God who gives increase when we respond in faith under pressure. [30:38]

Luke 5:5-6 (ESV)
And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

Reflection: What is one area where you feel like giving up, and how can you choose to “let down your net” again in faith today?


Day 5: The Valley Is a Place of Breakthrough and New Beginnings

The valley is not meant to harm you, but to increase you; what looks like a valley of defeat can become a valley of blessing, abundance, and victory through God’s power. God is a God of new beginnings and greater fulfillment, able to turn sickness into health, loss into strength, and despair into hope. Don’t be fooled by the valley—God has you in the palm of His hand, and He promises to fulfill the number of your days and lead you into breakthrough. The valley is about transformation, not just survival; it is where God prepares you for greater things. [36:52]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Reflection: What “new thing” might God be wanting to do in your life through your current valley, and how can you open your heart to His transforming work today?

Quotes

``So in other words, the people first saying before the battle, watch this, and then they blessed after the battle and they bracketed those two, that conflict with worship. And I believe that underscores that praise is both a weapon and a witness to God's goodness in our life. [00:04:37] (22 seconds)  #PraiseAsPower Edit Clip

Faith agrees with God, watch this, not by denying the facts, but by trusting his truth to change them. When we walk by faith, we are not pretending. I want you to see that. No, we are declaring what God has already said, knowing he's going to bring it to pass. [00:10:42] (22 seconds)  #CharacterOverComfort Edit Clip

We instinctively label pain as bad because it disrupts our comfort. But how many know that many times God is more concerned about our character than our comfort? Amen, right? And I don't say that flippantly with the lack of respect, but it's true. It's true. [00:12:34] (19 seconds)  #GrowthInTheValley Edit Clip

Another reason was we forget that growth happens in the valley, not on the mountaintops. I've been in some pretty high places and high mountains. I don't see much vegetation up there, right? It's the rich soil. Are you with me this morning? It's the valley. It's the difficult places. That's where growth happens, okay? No fruit typically doesn't grow on the mountaintop. Fruit grows in the valley. [00:12:52] (26 seconds)  #HumbledAndTransformed Edit Clip

Psalm 23, verse, it doesn't say this, and I'll pull this up in a moment, but God avoids the valley with me. It says this, it says, even though I walk through, so I'm going to shout through, you need to know it's not going to stay this way. You're walking through it. You're coming through it. You're not camping out or should not be camping out. God is going to take you through it. [00:13:39] (25 seconds)  #PresenceInSilence Edit Clip

Why? Here's the key point. For you are with me. God has not abandoned you in the valley. He's with you. He's with you. And so, hopefully it's encouraging. The valley is not a sign of God's absence. At times, it's easy to think so. It's often a place where his presence is most real. [00:14:27] (22 seconds)  #BlessedInTheMidst Edit Clip

But I've learned, and I added this in, and I am still learning. Through the many years, God doesn't always remove the valleys in our life. But here's the good news today. God can bless you in the valley. That's what I want you to hear. You can still be blessed in the valley. God can bless you in the midst of the troubled season. [00:19:21] (21 seconds)  #FavorInAdversity Edit Clip

To be faithful even when the conditions look grim, to continue to sow from your life, your time, your service, your, yes, your resources, your forgiveness, amen, your love, your kindness, even when the conditions look dry, continue to sow, amen, continue to sow. And why is that? Because I believe the harvest comes, the blessing comes, the breakthrough, whatever you want to call it, not because of the ground, but because of the God who gives increase. [00:27:22] (37 seconds)  #GodGivesIncrease Edit Clip

Here's the test, the rub. You need to watch our complaining in the valley. We have to really get control of our complaining in the valley. Why? There's a blessing in the valley. The valley wasn't sent to harm you. The valley was sent to increase you. You need to get ready. Why? I don't believe you're going to stay in that valley of defeat forever. I believe it's going to turn to a valley of blessing in your life. [00:35:45] (37 seconds) Edit Clip