"Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca (weeping), They make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools (or blessings). They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion."
(Psalm 84:5-7)
As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are on a pilgrimage - a journey. A journey entails many variables - mountains, valleys, sunshine and storms, drought and rain. A journey involves alone times, fulfilled times, anxious and peaceful times.
This Psalm reminds us that when the Lord is our strength, we are blessed - we are happy. Blessed is the one whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
Why is this important? Because our faith should never be stagnant. It should be alive and moving forward - always learning - always growing. We need to acknowledge that a life of faith truly is a pilgrimage and set our heart on that knowledge!
I love the fact that the pilgrims in this Psalm passed through the Valley of Weeping - and then they made it a spring. The valley floor was covered with pools (or blessings). Do you suppose the pools of blessings were formed by their tears? Just wondering...
More than likely, the geography described here is a desert region called the Valley of Rephraim. This region annually experienced the early rain that fell in the autumn. The early rain brought rejoicing to the pilgrims that journeyed there because the vegetation needed to be watered in order to support new growth - the people needed encouragement that only a fresh rain delivers after a time of drought.
Picture this: An early rain in autumn. Autumn follows hot, dry summers. The early rains of fall replenish the earth.
Tears, when given to God, replenish our dry and barren hearts. Like the Psalmist, after traveling through the Valley of Weeping, we are able to go from strength to strength - from grace to grace - from glory to glory - into the Presence of Almighty God.
Let's set our hearts on pilgrimage. Our destiny is the throne of God in the beauty of Zion. Let your tears strengthen and replenish your dry and barren hearts.
And let the Father wipe your tears and hold you close.
Lord, I give my tears to You. I ask, Lord, that they water and refresh my drought-stricken heart. You alone, are worthy of my praise. You, alone, can turn my mourning into dancing for You. Open my eyes that I might see the early rain that falls in the autumn chill. Help me dance in the rain.
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