This morning, I read in Psalm 84:6, "Blessed are those whose strength is in [God], whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they regard it as a place of springs."
I learn that the Valley of Baca is the valley of weeping. It's a metaphor for desolation and despair. With God's strength, however, the traveler regards this valley as a place of abundance. It's fertile and flowing.
It becomes exactly what it doesn't seem to be.
With a heart set on pilgrimage, we look around and see things differently. Every depressing valley isn't actually a valley of weeping; it's fertile ground for whatever's growing. It's a condition perfect for our journey.
With God's strength, and with that mindset of pilgrimage, the whole landscape before us changes.
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Have you taken a pilgrimage?
2 comments:
Thanks for this, Heather. I have been thinking of pilgrimages lately, as our church's Journey to Adulthood kids have been fundraising this past year (and will be next year) for their pilgrimage together next summer. I've been thinking of how we can help parents and kids think about their many pilgrimages in life, and then your blog arrives. Hmmm...
You know, I've read and read and read that passage in the Psalms, and had missed entirely the deeper message you explore here. Thank you, Heather. I'll read these verses differently now.
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