Mike
Scriptures:
John17:3 Psalm 84:5-8
A few years ago I was asked to speak on how my diagnosis of bowel cancer, and the incredible lessons that God revealed during the several months I spent in hospital, had impacted my life.
Afterwards someone asked me “where to from here”, a very fair question. My illness did change my life, it taught me that the Father longs for a relationship with His children, and that understanding the Father Heart of God is vital for our survival.
Sadly, the gospel of hyper-grace has leavened the need for developing that relationship with God, yes, we are saved by grace, and there is nothing that we can contribute to that choice, it is the sovereign choice of God, but it cannot end there. After the last supper, Jesus prayed to the Father for all believers, “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”. Jesus has laid down the ground rules for us to develop a relationship with Himself, and it is important that we learn to grow into that relationship.
As believers we are on a journey, and Psalm 84 is a great example that encourages us. It’s about going on a journey, just like all the Jewish males who were required to worship at the temple at least three times a year, if at all possible (Deuteronomy 16:16).
Many travelled great distances and the way was sometimes discouraging, so they would sing and worship as they travelled. This Psalm expresses the deep longing for the presence of God, to be in His house, to be in His courts, and to dwell in His presence, and is the object of this Psalm.
As they travelled, near Jerusalem was a valley called the Valley of Baca (valley of weeping) that most pilgrims had to pass through to reach Jerusalem. It is believed that the Valley of Baca was a harsh, dry, place that would test the patience of the pilgrims as they journeyed to the temple. Such a valley still exists between the Jordan and Jerusalem.
While we must, from time to time, journey through dry, harsh places on our spiritual journey, it’s good to remember that those places are not our home. Remember that you are on a pilgrimage, God has designed you for something better, you are only passing through. If you continue on your journey, all that you are going through will soon pass away. Don’t be like Naomi, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me”. She started to put down roots in this valley of tears, or the valley of weeping.
Psalm 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Psalm 84:6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
The Psalm said that they make it a well, or dig a well, while in the Valley of Baca, to refresh themselves so they can continue on their way. So, as we travel through the Valley of Baca, we need to make the effort and dig down to find the refreshment that God has provided for this part of our earthly journey. It’s great to rejoice in the courts of the Almighty, but God walks with His own, even in the Valley of Baca. He desires that we always seek Him in prayer and thanksgiving, with all of our heart.
If you are suffering, dig deep, if you are in trouble, dig deep, if you are facing great affliction, dig deep. God will provide what you need.
If you are in the valley right now and there seems to be no way out, I want you to know that God has already prepared a well for you to be refreshed. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you but to be with you to the end.
Blessed is that man who will pass through the Valley of Baca and dig a well that he may drink of the water that rains from heaven above.
Prayer: “Psalm 84:7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.” Father God, while we don’t like valleys, thank You that it is in the valley that our faith is exercised, and we grow in strength, we go from victory to victory, from might to might. We give you worship and thanks that as we wait upon You, LORD, we shall renew our strength; we shall mount up with wings as eagles; we shall run, and not be weary; and we shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31) Amen.
Psalm 84:8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
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