Derek Smith
Lead Pastor
Psalm 84:5-7
Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a source of spring water; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings. They go from strength to strength; each appears before God in Zion.
The Valley of Baca was an actual valley near Jerusalem, but the word Baca has a much deeper meaning. The word Baca in the Hebrew means “weeping”. As we journey through life, all of us go through seasons where we traverse through the valley of weeping. In those times of pain, sorrow, and disillusionment it is easy to forget that God is good and is at work in our circumstances. The truth is, as much as we don’t always want to hear it at the moment, God has a much greater purpose for our pain. Keep in mind that the valley is the place of abundant water and lush greenery. The valley is where the fruit grows and the water flows, so the valley is the place of our growth where we gain vital resources to help us along our journey of faith.The Psalmist even says here that those who find their strength in the Lord turn the valley of weeping into a source of springs for others. When we go through seasons of difficulty and struggle, God wants to redeem our pain so that others can be blessed. If you’re currently in a valley season consider a few things. First, if God brought you TO IT He will bring you THROUGH IT. His grace is sufficient. Secondly, there is a deep well of wisdom, strength, and hope that God wants to give you in this season so that you can refresh others when they go through similar seasons. Look for that wisdom. Dig deep into His Word and prayer. When we allow God to redeem our weeping we get stronger and stronger and soon our tears fill a well that others can drink from. So, remember in your weeping to pursue the presence of God and stick with the people of God. Allow the Lord to redeem your sorrow, and then allow others to drink deeply of His grace through you.