As they pass through the Valley of Baca [weeping], they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. ~ Psalm 84:6
READING: Psalm 84:10-12
There’s an intriguing progression of water in this verse. We start with the salty tears of weeping when we encounter unavoidable tragedy or sorrow. The wise pilgrim will make it into a place of springs by reacting well and by making the best of a bad situation. And finally, the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
What’s that about?
Since we don’t control the weather this must refer to God’s divine blessing and His lavish provision which puts to great use the hard times that we have handled well. Water produces life. The autumn rains nudge our struggling seedlings into a full harvest of spiritual abundance.
Don’t you find that to be true for you as well? Admit it, wasn’t it in your most difficult circumstances that you grew the most? After your tears subsided, the autumn rains blessed your heart and helped you to grow strong and wise and sorrow-tested.
Although none of us would ever wish for sorrowful times, in retrospect they become the experiences that bless others most reliably. Before going through our Valley of Baca our advice, while sound, may be unwittingly harsh or theoretical. But afterwards, the best advice we give, the most helpful encouragement, the most transformative gifts we share flow directly out of the treasure we discovered at such high cost in our Valley of Baca.
So cheer up, especially if you are stuck in Baca right now. God doesn’t waste our pain. The autumn rains will transform even this gloomy place into a healing oasis.
Father, Thank You for Your promise to turn my worst experiences into a place of blessing. Hear my cry, O Lord, and fulfill Your good purpose in my life. Amen.
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