The Valley of Weeping

"As they pass through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), it will become a place of refreshing springs..." Psalm 84:6


You know, I really did not know what to write about today. Sometimes, I have an instant knowing of what He would like me to write. Other times, I have to wait on Him..sometimes a lonnng time. Today, however, although I feel rather happy and fine, I felt impressed to write about the Valley of Weeping. I been there. A few times.

You know, the Valley of Baca, the original name, is a dry place on the way into Jerusalem. Don't miss that. It's on the "way into Jerusalem." In other words, it's part of the journey-the dry uncomfortable part of this walk with Jesus. You know, the word Baca is also translated as "balsam trees." Yeah, how did weeping and balsam trees come together? I have no clue. But rather than focus on that, let's put this verse into practical use of our struggles in this walk of holiness--that I can never seem to get right!

Have you EVER experienced weeping? I mean real weeping. Not the "I wish I had a million dollars" weeping. No, that is too shallow. Or the, "God get me out of this mess" weeping..no that's something we all go through from time to time, and it is ok. I am talking about weeping for reasons that we cannot even articulate. I mean the type where you're sitting there at your coffee table with your coffee/tea in your hands and the tears just fall. Not from utter joy either. No, this is something deep within your soul that can't be explained.

I have been in this place a long time, many times. It usually comes right before a HUGE victory takes place in my life. I go through dry spells where no matter WHAT anyone says, I just can't "feel" God. I hear the Word, I listen to the praise music, but His presence seems to have VANISHED from my life. Listen, family of God, if you are in this place, DO NOT LOSE HEART.

This very morning, I woke up at 4am. I said, "Lord, I do not 'feel' You, but I know you are near." And I began to speak to Him. I told Him how many times I messed up the previous day. I asked Him to renew a right spirit in my heart. I told Him to keep me from evil. And then I waited on Him. Nothing. But it was ok..because this is where He grows my faith. It is great when we first find Jesus, but as we continue in this journey, our faith will get tested by fire and refined in His presence if we are to grow.

This is why there is that Valley of Weeping. It shows our total dependence on God. I have had alot of money and I have had no money. And both times, I may have forgotten about God. Until I met the Valley of Weeping. Oh Jesus, I feel His presence now. You see, in times of distress, when our soul is on "overload" with the "what-ifs" of life, weeping is the outlet to bring release to pent up emotions that can KILL our love walk with God. And the balsam tree interjection is no mistake.

For at a time when David thought he would be THOROUGHLY DEFEATED BY HIS ENEMY, God told him to listen for the sounds of the "marching in the tops of the balsam trees"(2 Sam. 5:22-25) and for David to "move quickly" for the LORD has gone out IN FRONT OF HIM TO STRIKE DOWN HIS ENEMIES.

So the Valley of Weeping is precious to our Lord while we are there. Do not take it as any form of punishment from our God. We are so very precious to our God. This Valley is a time of preparation for severe defeat against that which holds us back from trusting our God, from total reliance upon Him for our deliverance...God wants our TOTAL commitment and He works that out through our tears. You see, once we get into this very dry place, filled with our brokenness and uncertainties, the Lord begins to see our grip on life diminish as we stretch weary arms up to Daddy. Like a dependent child, we reach for His embrace, and He comes down low to where we are. And then like the Daddy that He is...He fights our battles. In ONE SWOOP our enemies are laid out in front of us..and we cross over into Zion..Jerusalem..where the Presence of the Lord is.

Sister, Brother, keep on keeping on. Weeping may endure for a night, but His joy comes in the morning.


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