Passing through the Valley
“Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, 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.” Psalm 84:5-7
The Valley of Baka in Psalms is also known as the valley of weeping. We can all likely look to a time when we experienced a difficult, dark time. Maybe we encountered hardship and it seemed as if we were in a dark valley of grief or sorrow that weighed us down and seemed to last longer than we had strength to endure.
It’s one thing to go through it personally, but ask any parent who has watched their son or daughter go through hard things and they’ll tell you, it’s not only difficult, it’s downright painful. We want to fix it. We want to bring it to a quick end. We want to make everything okay and get things “back to normal”, yet, we’re powerless to do it.
As parents, the valley experience of our children calls us to a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. It calls us to trust Him more than we can see in front of us. It calls us to rely on His strength and Sovereignty over our own power and ingenuity. It asks us to relinquish our parental ‘controls’ and trust in the One Who parents them best. The valley is a tough place to be, that’s certain. And, as parents, we can either be the voice of spiritual encouragement that points our son or daughter to Jesus, or a detractor that pulls their focus to their current situation and supports their despair.
But Psalm 84 gives us a beautiful, powerful picture of the valley as a place of victory, not defeat. Yes, the Psalmist writes about being in the valley of weeping, but he says, “Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Blessed. It’s the Hebrew word “eser” and it means “happiness, or how happy” (1). Our sons and daughters can experience deep happiness and joy, in spite of the valley experience if they’re focused on Jesus! They may be in the valley, but if they’re still pursuing Jesus, they are blessed!! Their location and their situation do not determine their joy. Jesus is joy!! That’s a lesson we should all be reminded of daily.
The second thing to remember is that the valley isn’t their destination, it’s just a part of the journey. And the valley shouldn’t be the focus of their heart, the passage to Jesus should be their focus! The joy is generated and determined by the Source of their strength. The One who walks every step of the way with them through the valley and the One in whose Presence they long to stand. The journey is one of reliance on Jesus and trust in His Presence and leading.
Not only will the valley bring blessings, but it can become a place of refreshing. Imagine that! A valley of weeping becomes a journey of refreshing?! “As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.” The word “spring” in Hebrew is the word “mayan” and it means "fountain or source of satisfaction” (2). Psalm 87:7 gives us another perspective on Who and what that fountain represents, “All my fountains are in You.” In other words, all of my blessings and Source of joy, delight and pleasure are in You, Lord. The valley doesn’t supply the source of satisfaction, the believer traveling the valley does through his full reliance on Christ and his delight in His presence. So, if our sons and daughters are in the valley, they can make it a place bubbling with delight, joy and pleasure if they remain focused on and grounded in the Lord. Blessings bubbling over, generatd by the Source of Life.
Then, there are the autumn rains. To some that may seem odd, but in Israel, the hot dry summer gives way to autumn rain that softens the soil and makes it pliable, easily broken up for cultivation and planting. It creates fertile ground- and isn’t that what God seeks to create in our hearts? The autumn rains in the valley of weeping can soften hearts and make them ready to receive the Word and be fruitful. The springs and fountains of delight, pleasure, and joy along with the refreshing, nourishing rains that soften the hardened ground make the trek through the valley a journey from strength to strength. This word, strength, is “hayil” in Hebrew and it means “resources, ability, and might” (3). Do you see? God uses the valley to bring joy in Him- not generated by our circumstances. He brings delight, not in the location, but in His Presence. He brings growth because of the believer’s focus and reliance on Him, not on the situation or location. He draws the traveler to Himself and in doing so, the situation and location become secondary.
Finally, the destination of walking through the valley is the anticipation of standing before God, in His presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your Presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” If our heart is set on pilgrimage to God’s presence and Jesus is our Guide and Companion, there is strength and joy in the journey because we know the valley isn’t the destination, nor does it hold what we’re seeking, and there is so much more that awaits us. We will ALL stand before the Lord, whether we intend that as our destination or not. It is determined beforehand for us.
How will we pray for our sons and daughters in their faith journey? Will we pray the valley is short and the weeping is minimal? That’s likely and why wouldn’t we? God understands our parent-heart well. But, maybe we should pray that the focus of our son or daughter is Jesus alone and that He would be their source of joy, delight and strength. And maybe, just maybe, we should pray for autumn rains that soften the ground of their hearts so they can receive the Word of God and bear fruit. Perhaps we should pray that their journey is not just a short one, but is one of moving from strength to strength until they appear before God in Zion and that ultimately, they would hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Let’s pray that the valley is a place of blessing and growth and that if He wills, the Lord would allow us a window on all of it while we lift our sons and daughters in prayer. There are features of the valley experience that can lead us and our sons and daughters to a stronger, more certain faith. And yes, even deep joy. That’s how we can pray effectively and fervently for their journey.
Pray without ceasing.
1. H835 - 'ešer - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h835/kjv/wlc/0-1/
2. H4599 - maʿyān - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4599/niv/wlc/0-1/
3. H2428 - ḥayil - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2428/niv/wlc/0-1/
Of Giants, Valleys, and Godly Parents
We’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath. We know a bit about David’s family, too. Three of his brothers were in the service of Saul’s army, though he had 7 brothers, altogether. David was the youngest of them and he tended the sheep. Their father’s name was Jesse, the son of Obed, who was the son of Ruth and Boaz. David had a godly heritage.
But have you ever wondered about David’s mother? She’s not mentioned in the Bible, but her influence is there, if you stop and look.
But first, let’s agree on a major factor of parenthood. We strive to protect our children, right? We watch over them, teach them to be cautious and careful. We caution them against danger and we encourage them to avoid those people, locations, and situations that could lead to harm.
Now, imagine you’re standing in the sandals of David’s mother. An unnamed woman only referred to in Scripture one time (bear with me, we’ll get there). But her influence is evident if we look closely. And the impact she had on her son gave him wisdom and guidance for years to come, and impacted the heritage of the Messiah.
When David encountered Goliath, scholars estimate he was likely in his teens. His brothers were old enough to serve in the army, but David was not. Saul even called him a ‘youth’ (1 Samuel 17:33) Yet, in spite of his age, he demonstrated character, faith, and bravery beyond his years.
David went toward the conflict.
David, following his father’s direction, went to the camp of the Israelite army to deliver food and supplies to his brothers (1 Samuel 17:17-18). Any good mother likely would have added, “You go and you come right back- be safe!” Yet, David’s mother didn’t argue, resist or try and keep him from going toward the conflict. She didn’t shield him from it. That’s brave, friends.
Do we pray that our sons and daughters avoid the conflict, or do we pray they are kept safe in the midst of it?
David was prepared, even before he knew he would fight a giant.
David’s mother wasn’t there to tell him how to fight, but it’s likely she reminded him to always step out prepared. As a shepherd, he needed to defend his sheep and where there was one enemy or predator, there would likely be more lurking, awaiting the opportunity to attack. David’s mother knew that - she surely heard the story of the lion…and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36). So she certainly reminded him of the danger and encouraged him to be ready.
David also knew conflict typically wasn’t resolved with one stone or by one fight. He fully depended on God for the victory, but knew it might require more than one throw, so he collected five stones. (There is history to suggest that Goliath had 4 brothers 2 Samuel 21:15-22). David was prepared for whatever God led him into that day.
Do we speak into our sons and daughters so they walk out prepared? Are we reminding them of the spiritual dangers they may face? Training doesn't start after the battle begins. No, the training and preparation begin in order to be ready when the conflict occurs, and it will occur. Are we reminding our sons and daughters of the importance of time in the Word and fellowship with other believers to sharpen them? Are they cognizant of the dangers they may face and intentional to be ready when they come? We need to pray that they are.
David didn’t allow the taunts and words of others to deter him, deflate his courage, or damage his faith.
When David offered to face Goliath, David’s own brothers hurled angry words and insults at him, mocking his bravery and casting him aside. They had no faith in his ability and their warrior-egos were offended at the thought.
But Goliath’s words were what struck a chord with David. Goliath didn’t just mock Israel, he mocked God (I Samuel 17:36-37)
You see, David wasn’t defending himself. He was standing up for the fear and reputation of Jehovah, the Almighty God.
Parents, have we taught our sons and daughters to fear God? Do we encourage them to defend the name of Jesus Christ, no matter the cost? Believers in so many nations around the world know the cost of claiming Jesus as Lord, but Western cultures don’t often face that, in fact, we often are indifferent to the cost because we haven’t suffered. Someday soon we may come face to face with that. We must all be ready.
Oh how we need to pray that:
1. Our sons and daughters would listen for and hear the Word of the Lord over the words of the world
2. That they would defend the name of Jesus, no matter the cost
David stepped into the valley to face the giant.
David didn’t run away from the conflict, he walked toward it. The Israelite camp was on a hill on one side of the Elah Valley and the Philistine camp was on the other. There was no misdirection or error in David’s steps. He went down into the valley. Now, read Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
There is no evidence to say his Goliath encounter was David’s inspiration for Psalm 23:4, but it surely gives us something to ponder! It helps us look at it in a new light.
Do we encourage our sons and daughters to have strong faith in the Lord that will strengthen them as they face hardships? Or do we pray they avoid the hard things? Do we pray they are protected from suffering? Because if we do, we’re actually praying them to a weakened faith. Think about that. Our effort to shield and protect them can actually leave them weak and vulnerable!
Romans 5:3-5 ““we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.””
Now, back to David’s mother
Though David’s mother isn’t mentioned by name in Scripture, her influence is noted by David in Psalm 86:16 “Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.” (NIV)
“I serve you just as my mother did.” That’s a testimony that will preach, friends.
It brings two questions:
How are we serving God as parents?
How are we praying for our sons and daughters?
Our children will face Goliaths. They will walk in the valley. They will be mocked and taunted. But will they be prepared and will they fear God more than they fear man?
Today, let’s pray in the power of the Holy Spirit that God will transform our sons and daughters into bold spiritual warriors who will boldly face the enemy, not for their own glory, but for the name and fame of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Almighty Father, I come to You in the name of Your risen Son, Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells me because of Calvary. Put Your hand on (name) today. First, draw them in to spend precious time in Your word before they start their day. Let their time be sacred and inspired, may it fill them with spiritual strength and boldness. Prepare them, Lord, for what they may face. Give them words to respond and courage to speak up for the name of Jesus. If You lead them into the valley, surround them with Your protection. Help (name) to fully realize that their victory is not dependent on their strength or wisdom, their cunning or skill, but fully on Your power and Presence in the battle. Lord, I know they will face conflict. I know they will walk through dark valleys in the presence of enemies, but I know You are greater, stronger and You are victorious. Lord, be their armor and their light. Open their eyes to see the necessity of being spiritually prepared. And Lord, I pray that my life would be a testimony of being surrendered to you, wholly and completely.. I pray that my sons and daughters would one day pray “Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother (or father)did.” In Jesus’ mighty, victorious name I pray, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.