The Valley of Achor: When Hidden Things Keep Us from Victory

Good morning, beautiful.

Have you ever faced a moment that made you appreciate the courage it takes to confront the truth?

Recently, God has been revealing some difficult truths to me. I’ve been avoiding certain issues in my heart, and because I haven't been ready to surrender, these challenges have continued to surface in my devotion to God. This walk that God has called each of us to requires adding to our lives as well as subtracting. My issue is that I want to add, but not subtract. The delays and constant rumination have made me realize that, to go forward, I have to be willing to let go.

Maybe today, you, too, are dealing with issues that seem easier to push down than to address. Friend, do not let your troubles seem bigger than the God we serve. My motto is not "if," but "when." When the battle comes, do not remain stuck. God wants you to be free, and I want that for you today.

God is revealing the hidden areas of your heart, refining your character, and teaching you to fully rely on Him. Let this be a reminder that the hidden things we allow to linger in our hearts don’t just affect our own walk with God; they can quietly impact other important areas of our lives such as relationships, work, or priorities.

Remember Ephesians 6:12, and let today’s devotional study remind you that you are not alone. Whatever issue is in your life, God is not asking it of you to bring you through turmoil, but to help you escape the destruction attached to it. So stand with God, choose His way, and walk in lasting victory.

Sincerely,

Your Friend

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A Moment to Reflect

"Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you."

Joshua 7:11-12 ESV

To have God’s face turned away is a reality none of us wants to experience. In Joshua 7, it was more than a feeling; it was a devastating reality that cost the lives of thirty-six men. After Jericho, Joshua expected the next battle to be an easy win. But defeat came, and his heart sank into grief. In Joshua 7:6, we see him fall to the ground in mourning, his posture heavy with loss and confusion. David Guzik, the author of Enduring word, notes that this moment was a sobering reminder that “Israel could be defeated in the promised land.”

In Joshua’s response to this loss, we find our lesson. He didn’t approach God with accusations or bitterness, but he came seeking understanding. This is the position we need to take: not questioning from distrust or complaint, but asking from faith and relationship. Joshua voiced this when he prayed, “…Then what will you do about your great name?” (Joshua 7:9, CSB).

God’s answer came quickly (Joshua 7:11–12). The problem wasn’t a lack of strength or strategy. The problem was sin in the camp. God’s correction was clear: Israel would continue turning their backs toward the enemy until the sin was removed. Eventually, in verses 16–26, Achan is revealed as the one responsible. The consequences of his actions cost him his life.

So what does all of this mean for us today?

As Guzik points out, “Victory in light of sin can only come after death.” Spiritually, that means we must die to sin. But before that can happen, we must be willing to place it in God’s hands. Like Achan, we often cling to things God has already declared destructive. These things may even seem valuable or worth keeping. In our lives, that “hidden treasure” might look like ambition, lies, idolatry, shame, unforgiveness, unhealed trauma, or regret from the past. True victory begins with honest confession, because honesty is our responsibility in our walk with God.

It’s important to remember: Achan’s physical death doesn’t mirror God’s desire for you. We have to understand the background in connection to this moment with Achan. The IVP Bible Background Commentary notes, “In that time, the destruction of defeated cities, even by fire, served practical purposes, like preventing the spread of disease in unsanitary conditions. Think of it like radiation: once contaminated, it cannot be safely reclaimed.”

Achan brought this destruction upon himself by taking what God had forbidden, so he suffered the consequences connected to his disobedience. Understanding this truth can help us choose a different path. We have to be intentional on choosing the path that leads to life.

Whispers Between You and God

This season isn’t just about adding to your walk with God but subtracting the dead weight keeping you from your destination and victory in Christ!

Take a moment today to reflect on the following questions:

1. In what areas of my life am I resisting letting go of what I know is harmful?

2. What is one step I can take to hand over a specific struggle, sin, or hidden issue to God?

3. How does seeing Achan’s story help me understand the consequences of hiding sin or destructive choices?

4. In what ways could exposing these hidden areas bring healing and freedom into my life?

References

1. Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. InterVarsity Press, 2000.

2. Guzik, David. Joshua 7 Commentary. Blue Letter Bible, Blue Letter Bible, https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/joshua/joshua-7.cfm. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.

To the one waiting on God....

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