The Vally of Weeping

Today after blatting (ugly crying) over some drama I read this in an email devotion:

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion" (Ps 84:5-7).

It struck me so deeply that part of my pilgrimage would be passing through the Valley of Baca (Vally of Weeping) BUT because His strength is in us, we will make this a place of springs [renewal] (blessing), and gain strength victoriously until we are with God.  

Tough times make us stronger. We all know that.   While in the middle of our struggles it can be very difficult to remember that God is there to be our strength, if we let Him.  Remember, we serve a God that gives us free will.  You can take up squatters rights and live in the Valley of Baca all you want, or you can use that time of sorrow and brokenheartedness as a place of renewal and strength gathering. 

I know what you are going to say.  "You do not understand Wendy, my pain is too big or my sorrow is so great that how could I possibly gain strength?"  Trust me, I know.  I have struggles with getting past the Valley of Ideservedbetter or the Valley of Howdareyouhurtme too.  I wanted to stay in those valleys until I received some type of award for damages.  But listen dear ones, victory is already ours.  Over and over and over and then over again the bible tells us how those who sow in tears will reap in joy and  that God is our vindicator and close to the brokenhearted.  (read Psalms)

The next time your  journey takes you through  your own Valley of Baca, I hope you will remember that while you weep (my friend says tears are liquid prayers) that you let God  be your source of strength so you can move forward in your journey, stronger then before. 

Be blessed wildly, 

Wendy xoxoxo