“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca (tears), they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. (Psalm 84:5-7)
This Psalm is often called the “Travelers Song,” as it was through the Valley of Baca (weeping) that one had to sojourn on their way to Jerusalem, the “City of Peace.” Great dangers filled this journey… extreme heat, long distances between wells, vipers, lions, and bandits. There was no peace or relief to be found until their feet stood in the City of Peace.
“Though I walk through the valley of death, You are with me...” Friends, this life is our great journey to God, and to our Home. This valley has plenty of heartache and the dangers are many, but “His strength is given to match the needs of our day.” We go from “Strength to Strength,” in spite of the difficulty. It’s a precious truth to confidently say, “The Lord is my strength and my shield (protector); my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.” (Psalm 28:7)
A day is coming when this journey will be over and we will stand before God. The tears that were shed were precious to Him, and saved as if they were diamonds in a bottle. We will look back and see that through it all our souls were watered by His wells of wisdom, His words of life, promise and hope. He satiated us with His love and carried us.
Our story will not be one of brokenness, but Victory, as He was our Guide and Companion the whole time. Not long now, dear ones, and this Valley of Baca will end and the arms that guided us Home will hold us tight. His words will start the best part of our lives…
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of the Lord!”
(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)
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