He is Here – in the Valley

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is

faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Over this Advent season in preparation of our heart and minds for Christmas we will be reflecting on the tag line – He is Here – and ways in which that is witnessed in our human experience.

We’re familiar with the cry of Easter – Matthew 28:6 (NLT) ⁶ He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.

Well this Advent we remind ourselves again of the miracle of the incarnation – God in the flesh. The word incarnation means “the act of being made flesh,” and is seen in John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

When the angel spoke to Joseph & announced the coming birth of Jesus, he alluded to Isaiah’s prophecy: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel (which means ‘God with us’)”

The first of our ‘He is Here’ statements – in the valley. Peace in the valley Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves

There is a sense where the ultimate valley experience found in the Scriptures is demonstrated in the person of Jesus Christ Himself.

The Person who was from an infinitely high position allowed Himself to be brought to the lowest position in the world when He took on the sin of all humanity.

Another low point in Jesus’ life must have been when His disciples left Him. First, Judas betrayed Him. Then His disciples all fled when Jesus was arrested. Finally, one of His closest disciples Peter denied Him three times.

Philippians 2:6–8 (NLT) ⁶ Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, ⁸ he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Valley Experiences 

Psalm 42:1–11 (NLT) ¹ As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. ² I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? ³ Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” ⁴ My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! ⁵ Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Saviour and ⁶ my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. ⁷ I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. ⁸ But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life. ⁹ “O God my rock,” I cry, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?” ¹⁰ Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?” ¹¹ Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Saviour and my God!

Have you ever been in the valley of despair? You may have been there this week or it may be tomorrow. Today we consider the first of our ‘He is Here’ statements – in the valley.