Just recently my spirit has been quickened every time I remember these words: “Passing through the Valley of Baca they make it a spring.” Psalm 84 speaks of those who yearn for the dwelling place of God, who long to be where He is but feel far away.
Baca means weeping or tears; passing through times of isolation, difficulty or hardship can so easily affect us and bring sorrow.
The Blue Letter Bible study resources have this to say: “this valley, as Celsius observes, seems to be one "embarrassed with [such] bushes and thorns, which could not be passed without labour and tears."
But the sons of Korah bring a different perspective through writing this psalm. They say that those whose strength is in the Lord, in whose heart is the highways to Zion, turn the valley of tears into a spring. No longer “under the circumstances,” they transform draining bitterness into refreshing blessing:
How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; the early rain also covers it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion.
Psalm 84:5-7 (NASB)
If you long for the presence of God in your journey, know that the Presence of Jesus goes with you and enables you to both experience and minister refreshing in the very places where joy seems impossible.
Join other Christian coaches at noon Eastern on the first Thursday in September, and invest 45 minutes to put Jesus, the Living Water, right back in the centre where He belongs. We’ll explore together what Korah meant when He said, “All my springs are in you.” (Psalm 87:7)
Bring scriptures, bring insights, bring prayer requests. But come with the intention to create springs to refresh and be refreshed.
This month’s handout for the call will include scriptures to inspire us and space for your thoughts and reflections on the call. Download the handout when you register.
Date: 5 Sept 2013
Time: 12:00-12:45 ET
Register: Here
