The Browders - Praise You In This Valley Lyrics
Lyrics
The pain has been great
I've cried a river of tears
This trial has tried my faith
Through my doubts and my fears
But I will stand on your Word
That's proven to be true
There's a light at the end of the tunnel
You will see me through
And I will praise you in this valley
Though it seems you're far away
And the clouds are hanging over my head today
It seems not long ago
I was on the mountain peak
I will praise you that even more, Lord
You know what's best for me
I know you have a plan
Right now it's hard to see
In the palm of your hand
You are molding me
Though my heart has been broken
And I don't understand
In all things I'll just give you thanks
I'll lift up my hands.
And I will praise you in this valley
Though it seems you're far away
And the clouds are hanging over my head today
It seems not long ago
I was on the mountain peak
I will praise you that even more, Lord
You know what's best for me
Video
The Browders - Praise you in this Valley
Meaning & Inspiration
"Praise You In This Valley" by The Browders, released on October 6, 2009, as part of their album *The Message*, stands as a profound testament to unwavering faith in the face of adversity. This powerful song immediately plunges into the raw reality of human suffering, articulating the "great pain" and "river of tears" that often accompany life's most trying moments. It captures the essence of a faith that is "tried," acknowledging the presence of "doubts and fears" that can plague even the most devoted heart. This initial vulnerability resonates deeply, mirroring the laments found throughout the Psalms, where figures like David openly express their anguish and question God's perceived distance, as seen in passages like Psalm 42:3, "My tears have been my food day and night."
The song then pivots decisively, moving from lament to steadfast declaration: "But I will stand on your Word, That's proven to be true." This commitment to God's promises, even when circumstances contradict them, is a cornerstone of biblical faith, echoing the unwavering trust in God's faithfulness highlighted in Hebrews 10:23, "He who promised is faithful." The vision of "a light at the end of the tunnel" speaks to the hope inherent in God's redemptive plan, a hope that assures believers, as in Isaiah 41:10, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
The chorus, the heart of the song, boldly proclaims, "And I will praise you in this valley, Though it seems you're far away." This isn't praise born of comfort or clear understanding, but a determined act of worship amidst spiritual fog, when "the clouds are hanging over my head today." It contrasts sharply with past "mountain peak" experiences—moments of joy and clear divine presence—and challenges the common human inclination to praise only when life is good. This profound commitment to valley praise is a direct reflection of biblical commands to give thanks in "all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to find joy even in trials, knowing they produce perseverance and character (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5). The line, "You know what's best for me," encapsulates a deep surrender to God's sovereign will, a trust that He works "in all things... for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28), even when the path is unclear.
The second verse reinforces this theme of surrender and divine purpose, stating, "I know you have a plan, Right now it's hard to see." This acknowledges the human struggle to comprehend God's ways during affliction, yet affirms His ultimate design, a truth powerfully articulated in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The imagery of being "molding me" in the "palm of your hand" vividly illustrates God as the divine Potter and humanity as the clay, a metaphor found in Isaiah 64:8, where God shapes us for His purposes. Despite a "broken heart" and a lack of understanding, the song declares, "In all things I'll just give you thanks, I'll lift up my hands." This physical act of raising hands is a universal sign of worship and submission, a humble acceptance that God's wisdom far surpasses our own, and that even in suffering, He is worthy of our gratitude and adoration.
Overall, "Praise You In This Valley" serves as a powerful spiritual anchor, offering profound encouragement to anyone navigating a season of hardship. It doesn't offer simplistic platitudes but rather a robust, biblically grounded call to sustained worship through adversity. The song eloquently teaches that true faith isn't the absence of doubt or pain, but the courageous decision to actively trust and praise God precisely *within* the valley, knowing He is present, purposeful, and ultimately good. It encourages a perspective shift, viewing trials not as random misfortunes, but as refining processes orchestrated by a loving Father who uses them to shape us into His image, ultimately leading to greater hope and resilience. This message provides not just comfort, but a practical, spiritual strategy for transforming tears into worship, aligning the heart with God's eternal perspective even when earthly vision is obscured.