“When we first got back to Ukraine, I stepped out of the bus, fell down on my knees, and kissed the ground. I didn’t care that it was dirty. I was just so happy that I could finally be home!”, said the middle-aged refugee of war after having been in different places around the country and several other countries. She went on to describe just how much she began admiring the health system, the public transport, their daycare, and the pharmacy next door. Her eyes shone with a deep adoration of the county she was born in and loved.

And I thought right then, isn’t it interesting that we grow to appreciate what we have after it is taken from us? That our eyes glow with contentment when the things dear to us have been returned after a long period of absence? That our souls are refreshed with light after having gone through a dark valley?

In truth, we need deep valleys in order to truly appreciate the Goodness of the Lord. When we look in the Bible, it seems to always have been this way. God led His people through tests and trials, suffering and persecution.  

Like Noah and his family, I can only imagine their appreciation of dry land and sunshine when they finally stepped out of that boat. 

Like Abraham, when he walked back with his son Isaac from that mount, seconds away from losing him; can you see just how tightly he hugs him? 

Like Joseph, after the years spent in prison, still holding on to his faith despite the betrayals he faced from others. His eyes must have shone brightly when God took him out of there and used him in the life of Pharoah and his family. 

Like Ruth, after having lost her husband, stuck close to Naomi, loving her and caring for her. How amazing is her further story with Boaz? 

God continues to teach His children in this way. He uses times of suffering to grow our faith, and then refreshes our souls with a deep appreciation of what we have in Him. 

The valleys are definitely not easy places to be: but what comes after is truly refreshing.