In his commentary on Job 5:7, Matthew Henry states, “There is nothing in this world we are born to, and can truly call our own, but sin and trouble.”
This is true for both sinner and saint.
Yet, isn’t it true, that God’s people, in addition to temporal providences, must bear up under spiritual providences that can be just as, if not more heavy than earthly ones?
J.C. Phipot, in his essay, The Valley of Baca describes it likes this,“But, added to these temporal trials that the Lord’s people have to pass through in common with their fellow-men, they have spiritual trials that far outweigh any of a temporal nature. Sharp and cutting temptations; the workings of a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; the hidings of the Lord’s countenance; the doubts and alarms that work in their minds whether their feet are upon the rock; the fear of death, and the prospect of eternity; the harassing darts of the Wicked One; inward guilt and grief on account of an idolatrous, adulterous, and backsliding nature—these are but a small portion of those sorrows that draw tears from the true pilgrim’s eye. It is indeed a valley of tears for the Lord’s family, a “valley of Baca,” which they have to pass through to reach the heavenly Zion.”
What of these spiritual trials? Is this what sets the Christian apart? No. What makes us peculiar is the truth that is revealed in Psalms 84:5-7.
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in you, 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 appears before God.”
This pilgrim way we travel requires we pass through not a few valleys of tears and weeping. But, on our way to Jerusalem, that heavenly city, our good and gracious Father sends rain to fill the pools and springs of our wilderness.
This is the consolation that the rebellious can never know!
You can read the entire piece here.
Oh yes indeed my sister….but I would go further with Mr Philpot….
Jesus said, “he who believes in me, from his inmost being will flow rivers of living water …. this He spoke in reference to the Holy Spirit”…John 7:37-38
Even though we pilgrims face much trial, testing, despair and even violent persecutions at times, were are, paradoxically, filled with “joy unspeakable and full of glory!” 1 Pet 1:8, and “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,etc…” Gal 5:22… as we pass through this foreign land of thorns and thistles, dryness and baroness, this “Valley of Baca”….”we make it a spring”…that is, we are so filled with the virtues of God we are like flowers and freshness blooming in a dry and weary land… Christian life is a tremendous paradox, but one that bears forth the supernatural nature of our experience…we have been “born from above” and are now the Sons of God…. we are “like Him in the world” 1 John 4:17 …..glorious…beautiful….
Even as I write this, my heart is heavy with serious trial I am facing in my family….yet at the same time my heart is filled with His glorious Joy, and the hope of the soon brighter Day, and although I am tempted to be downcast, gloomy, and burdened, by faith I am ascending to that heavenly place where Jesus is… far above all rule and authority, he is in control and in the end….all will be well!
Therefore as I pass through this Valley of Baca, I shall sing the high praises of my glorious God and Savior…and the myrtle shall bloom in the desert….
Thank you for being one of those constant blooming flowers in this dry land…you remind us all…as you pass through, “you make it a spring”
Shaan
Amen, Brother Shaan.
It is true. In light of John 7:38 the streams of his comfort are plenty and constant.
I truly pray that God strengthen you and refresh you as you walk through this trial. May the Lord bless you with beautiful and refreshing springs as you pass through the valley of Baca.
I thank God for the blessing and support that I have known through you. I am praying.
Your sister in Christ
Shaan, You’re in my prayers brother.
Christ manifests His great strength in the weakness of His saints who weep privately and secretly before Him.
Thank you Brother Jon.
That truth is a beautiful consolation. It is a well in the valley!
We all go there don’t we Christina? How blessed we are to be comforted by Christ in our many afflictions! And may we ever be mindful of our great inheritance that awaits us.
Thank you for this beautiful post.
May you have a peaceful evening!
Much love!
Thank you friends…. I so appreciate you all… Christina, Jon, Diane… may the Lord richly bless you, now and forever….world without end!
Yours in Him,
Shaan