The Bible is full of promises that speak of the restoration and hope we find in God, even when our sinfulness has caused trouble. We see one such promise in Hosea 2:15 after God brings Israel low in their misconducts, he says,
“And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the day of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land on Egypt.”
What does it mean for the Valley of Achor to be a door of hope? Historically, after wandering in the desert for 40 years, the Israelites first settled in the Valley of Achor when they entered the Promised Land.
However, remember that Achor means “trouble.” The Israelites experienced defeat at Ai in this valley because of sin in their camp. It says that Achan kept some of the treasures from Jericho for himself and was stoned to death as a result. It was literally a valley of trouble. The hope Israel experienced in this valley of trouble is that after the sin received its punishment, the Lord continued to cause His face to shine upon them.
The Lord often brings believers through their own valleys of troubles, especially when we wander away from His ways. These times can be dark and terrifying making us feel alone and scared. Yet, in these moments, God tenderly calls us back home. It’s a voice we may not have heard in a long time, revealing that in this valley is a door of hope.
God promises to restore us spiritually when we fall. The restoration is like receiving choice fruits after a long famine. Therefore the reference to giving us back the vineyards. Imagine the sweetness of the grapes, representing the joy and satisfaction that comes from being in communion with God after we have been in the valley of trouble. He promises to give us back those choice grapes and to let the wine of His Spirit fill us with joy when we look to Him.
Even when God gives us trials that trouble us, He is opening a door of hope. This hope is not our worthiness but God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. So, if you have been wandering away from the Lord by seeking things of the world, they will lead you to a desert land.
From Pity to Praise 