The Valley of Humiliation is Green

Few things strike our sensibilities quite as harshly as humiliation. To be brought low, to fall down, to struggle, to run out of answers, to become weak and poor—this is a hard place to fall into. But what if I told you the “valley of humiliation” is really green? 

I am reading through part II of The Pilgrim’s Progress for the first time. It is a real shame I have put it off as long as I have as it sheds much light on the characters met and places visited in part I. The first part tells of Christian’s perilous journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Part II, perhaps less well known, is the story of Christian’s wife Christiana and their four sons as they follow in Christian’s footsteps towards that same City. It is all an allegory for the Christian life and one of the most celebrated works in the English language. It is also loaded with Scripture. 

Throughout part II I am very curious how women and small children will fare on such a difficult journey. How will they get through parts of the journey that the armed and able-bodied Christian barely escaped? One such section is the “Valley of Humiliation” and in part II Christiana and the boys come to it and discover that it is green! Yes, the same lowly valley where Christian was assaulted by Apollyon and battled within an inch of his life, is found by his wife and kids as fertile and pleasant land. Listen to what their guide Great-heart says:

“We will come again to this Valley of Humiliation. It is the best and most fruitful piece of ground in all these parts. It is fat ground, and, as you see, consisteth much in meadows; and if a man was to come here in the summer-time, as we do now, if he knew not anything before thereof, and if he also delighted himself in the sight of his eyes, he might see that that would be delightful to him. Behold how green this valley is, also how beautified with lilies! I have also known many laboring men that have got good estates in this valley of Humiliation; for 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.' Indeed, it is a very fruitful soil, and doth bring forth by handfuls. Some also have wished that the next way to their Father's house were here, that they might be troubled no more with either hills or mountains to go over; but the way is the way, and there's an end."

This is quite the reversal to what I expected to find. Humiliation carries with it such a negative connotation, so much so we describe our greatest embarrassments as "humiliating". It hits us hard, as it hit Christian hard in part I. No one wants to be brought low, no one desires to be emptied of themselves and broken down. It is painful to our natural inclinations to walk down into the valley. But the great twist of it all is here there are pearls to be found. If you could find it in yourself to look around, you would see it is actually lush and green. Great-heart continues that it was the place Jesus himself loved to be when He was on the earth:

“In this valley our Lord formerly had His country house: He loved much to be here. He loved also to walk these meadows, for He found the air was pleasant. Besides, here a man shall be free from the noise and from the hurryings of this life. All states are full of noise and confusion, only the Valley of Humiliation is that empty and solitary place. Here a man shall not be so let and hindered in his thoughts as in other places he is apt to be. This is a valley that nobody walks in but those that love a pilgrim's life. And though Christian had the hard hap to meet here with Apollyon, and to enter with him into a brisk encounter, yet I must tell you that in former times men have met with angels here, have found pearls here, and have in this place found the words of life.”

Humility is a precious Christian quality. “This is a valley that nobody walks in but those who love a pilgrim’s life.” It is scorned as weakness to those outside, but remains full of spiritual riches. Here one can find:

- Grace: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

- Exaltation in due time: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6

- Guidance: “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9

- Favor of the Lord: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2

Are you walking through the valley of humiliation right now? Do you find yourself frequently on your knees without answers? Are you broken over your sin and besetting weakness? Do you frequently find yourself unable? 

May you be able to say with David that even here the boundary lines have fallen for you in pleasant places, that you truly have a delightful inheritance.

**

"He that is down needs fear no fall

He that is low, no pride;

He that is humble ever shall

Have God to be his guide.

"I am content with what I have

Little be it or much:

And, Lord, contentment still I crave

Because Thou savest much.

"Fulness to such a burden is,

That go on pilgrimage;

Here little, and hereafter bliss,

Is best from age to age."

- Bunyan