“Make it a Well”
To say that the journey to follow Christ is a series of mountains and valleys is an understatement.
At times, everything seems to be going right. We are connecting with God in deep and intimate ways. Every time we pray, or read Scripture there is fresh revelation, renewal, and excitement about what God is doing in us and through us.
But then there are those days, weeks, months, where we go through a valley season. And during these times, it’s like all connection is lost. And perhaps we even wonder if God is truly personal… or worse yet, if he even exists at all.
We have all been there, perhaps more times than we wish to admit or recall.
But Psalm 84:5-6 says,
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well…”
A lot about the valley of Baca is unknown, but what we do know is that it was a dry and remote place often called the valley of tears that travelers had to go through to reach Jerusalem (Zion), the city set on the hill. It was inconvenient, unpleasant, and there was little relief. But notice what the text says:
…those who “make it a well” will be blessed…
In other words, even through the dry valleys of life, we can make it a well. Through the seasons of trouble, sorrows, pain, and difficulties, we can make it a time of great nourishment, refreshment, and strength if we keep the right perspective and zeal for God.
Someone once told me, you can never make it to a mountain without going through a valley… and I believe that’s true. So how badly do you want to experience God on the mountain top? How much trouble and sacrifice are you willing to go through to know Him and His uncountable blessings? When was the last time you pursued “Zion”?
I have always grown closer to God the most in the valleys of life. So next time you find yourself in a dry and desperate place, don’t lack faith and question. Lean into him through those “Baca days”. And be ready for God to pour down His rain of mercy and grace.
Make it a well.