“How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools.” Psalm 84:5-7 (GNT)
Psalm 84 was written for the people of Israel to sing as they made their annual pilgrimage to the temple for worship, but it is also a psalm for us in the 21st century, whose strength comes from God, who are eager to worship Him.
Many scholars believe that the Valley of Baca was an actual place travelers passed through on the way to Jerusalem. It was renamed at some point in antiquity, so opinions differ about which valley it was. But the exact location doesn’t matter as much as the kind of place it was. They agree that it would have been a dry place, dusty, probably rocky, and difficult to traverse.
Haven’t you passed through that dry valley—probably more than once in your life? Maybe you’re in that valley right now. It could be illness, loss of income, loss of a relationship, a burden for an unsaved loved one, an obstacle in your path that came out of nowhere, or a crisis of faith. It could even be a natural disaster or war. You’re not the only one. Look around you. Watch the evening news. There are many people in that valley of Baca right now. In fact, it’s getting pretty crowded.
The good news is that there is solid and confident hope for those of us in the family of faith! The psalmist says that as you keep going, as you rely on God for strength, the dry valley eventually becomes a place of springs, and the rain fills it with pools. Can’t you imagine the joy of a weary traveler coming off a hard, dirty hike through the rocky wilderness and finding refreshing water? Can’t you imagine her throwing down her backpack and rushing toward those pools? As God’s children, we will come out of that dry valley, and we will splash again!
So keep your eyes on Him, and happy splashing!
“Father, even though we would prefer to avoid the dry valleys, we thank You for walking with us and strengthening us through them. Thank You for the promise that as we keep our hearts set on You, the dry valleys will become places of springs and pools, and we will see You.
For His Glory
Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life
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