What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. (Psalm 84:5-7 NLT)
In Hebrew, Baca means weeping. The Valley of Baca literally means the “Valley of Tears”.
The Valley of Baca takes its name from the Balsam tree. At a certain time, the Balsam tree weeps its sap, and no doubt, this reminded the travellers of the tears they shed while on the journey.
Baca was part of the desert country, the valley was filled with thorns, wild animals, pitfalls, snakes and many other dangers. There were water wells there, but they were far apart and hard to get to.
It was nearly impossible to travel this valley without facing extreme hardship and suffering.
Everyone in this world has to walk through valleys.
As Christians, we also encounter our own valleys of Baca that we must pass through on our journey.
But, for Christians, when we walk through the valley, we walk through it as a child of the Living God.
There are times when we must walk in the Valley of Tears - but we do not walk it alone.
When we are in the valley, Jesus is with us
When we are in the valley, Jesus walks with us.
When we are in the valley, Jesus talks to us.
When we are in the valley, Jesus heals us.
When we are in the valley, Jesus carries us.
When we are in the valley, Jesus sustains us.
When we are in the valley, Jesus blesses us.
When we are in the valley, Jesus is everything we need Him to be and more.
There are times when there is no way around the valley, only through it.
While we don’t like valleys, it is in the valley that our faith is exercised, and we grow in strength.
Whatever valley you find yourself in God is able and willing to lead you through.
