Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.(Psalms 84:5-6, NIV)
In Bible times, the pilgrimage to the Temple passed through the barren Valley of Weeping. No specific valley has been definitively identified. But “Baca” properly means “dry valley.” The “weeping” may have been a symbolic reference to the times of struggles and tears through which people must pass on their way to meet God.
To experience God’s comfort. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through the terror and barren places in our lives. The person who loves to spend time with God will see his or her adversity as an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness even more deeply. If you are walking through your own Dry Valley, The Valley of Weeping today, be sure your pilgrimage leads toward God, not away from Him.
Comfort does not come to us who may be happy and hopeful and experiencing no disappointment. As mere mortals we must sometimes wander into the “depths” before we can experience the most precious of God’s gifts – comfort. This experience in receiving comfort from God Himself is what prepares us to be co-workers together WITH HIM. Not “for Him” but with Him.
The night time of our experiences may be fearful, unwanted even, yet night is necessary in the physical world, because sun and light are sure to follow. Similarly, when the needed night time of our lives gathers threateningly over the garden of our souls, when the leaves close up, and the flowers no longer hold any sunlight within their beautiful petals, there shall never be wanting. For even in the thickest darkness. The most frightening clouds, there will be drops of morning dew which cannot fall except that the sun goes down.
In our opening text for today, the phrase “whose heart is set on pilgrimage” refers those who make their way to the God, not out of obligation, but out of a wellspring of joy. Out of the express anticipation of God’s comfort. God’s guidance. The Valley of Baca, or “Valley of Weeping,” refers to the various difficulties that one might face on a pilgrimage. The person on a pilgrimage might discover that the once-dark, dry valley is filled with springs, rain, and pools—all signs of God’s blessing. From strength to strength. From glory to glory. (2 Cor 3:18) As we journey nearer to God, the rigors of the journey, the tortuous path of the dry valley become tolerable. For the joy of our approaching arrival strengthens the soul.
We, God’s sons and daughters are on a pilgrimage to the Heavenly City. We may have to pass through many a valley of weeping, and many a thirsty desert; and fearful dark, thick clouds, but wells of salvation shall be opened for us, and consolations sent for their support. Those that press forward in their Christian course and in divine providence, shall find God add grace to their graces. And those who grow in grace, shall be perfect in glory.
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! (2 Pet 3:18, NIV)
It was Jesus Himself who said that it is eternal life to know Him (John 17:3)
Peter concludes this brief letter as he began,(2 Pet 3:18)urging his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; that is, they were to get to know him better and better. This is the best way to discern false teaching. By knowing Jesus. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world, our own dry dark experiences will always challenge our faith. We all still have much room for growth. (Rom 3:23) Every day we need to draw closer to Christ so that we will be prepared to stand for truth in any and all circumstances.
Friends, growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through many barren places in our lives. The person who loves to spend time with God will see his or her adversity as an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness even more deeply. To see God’s promises become alive and living right in their own Dry valley. If you are walking through your personal Valley of Weeping today, be sure your pilgrimage leads toward God, not away from him.
Jesus said: “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)
And when we are done our pilgrimage through the Dry Valley, Jesus promises
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'” (Rev 7:17)
God will provide for his children’s needs in their eternal home where there will be no hunger, thirst, or pain, and he will wipe away all tears. When you are suffering or torn apart by sorrow, take comfort in this promise of complete protection and relief.
All who have been faithful through the ages are singing before God’s throne. Their tribulations and sorrows are over. No more tears for sin, for all sins are forgiven; no more tears for suffering, for all suffering is over; no more tears for death, for all believers have been resurrected (1 Thes 4:15-17) to die no more.
Those whom the Lamb shall lead by the fountains of living waters, and from whose eyes He shall wipe away all tears, will be those now receiving the knowledge and understanding revealed in the Bible, the Word of God. {7BC 970.8}
We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of Him, He will be formed within, the hope of glory. {7BC 970.9}
They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. (Psalms 36:8-9)
God Himself “will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken.” (Isa 25:8)
And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” (Isa 25:9)