The Valley of Baca
"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; the rain also fills the pools. They go from strength to strength—every one of them in Zion appeareth before God."
--Psalm 84:5-7 (KJV)
Some time ago, after I'd preached on this verse, my friend, Jim Burmeister, loaned me a casette tape by Jack Hyles on the "The Valley of Baca."
Now, Jack Hyles isn't exactly my type. He's a snortin', yellin', narrow minded, independant, fundamentalist Baptist preacher. (Actually, he was that -- but five years ago, he went home to be with Jesus, so, most likely, his rough edges have been sanded off and he's a Wesleyan now!)
However, driving to the hospital, ol' brother Jack really preached a good sermon to me -- snortin' and yellin' all the way. My heart was blessed. "Even though he's dead, yet he speaks."
Basically, there were two points:
1. Everybody, sooner or later, has to go through the Valley of Baca.
Baca is the place of weeping -- sickness, sorrow, trouble, loss.
2. When you are in the Valley of Baca, Dig a Well!
Dig a well for those who will follow after you -- those who will experience the same sufferings. Don't just waste your trial -- dig a well to be a source of hope and blessing to others who will follow the same path.
After recently contemplating the meaning of trials and suffering, I am currently of the opinion that there are two reasons for them. You are either spiritually doing something good with your life, and someone is trying to deter you. Or, you are being prepared to "dig a well" for the future. Either way you should feel thankful. You are in our prayers that you shall persevere and come through stronger than ever!
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