Valley of Baca
Written by Heidi McLaughlin
Let me tell you why I love the imagery of the “Valley of Baca.” The word Baca is derived from the root, which means, “to weep” derived from some kind of balsam-tree from the ‘tears’ of gum it exudes. The Valley of Baca was some waterless and barren valley through which pilgrims passed on their sojourn to Jerusalem three times a year. The journey was perilous, difficult, fearful, and at times sorrowful. But when the rains came, this barren valley was refreshed and turned the dry plains into a glorious mass of grass and flowers; a lovely and glorious garden.
Let’s see how Psalm 84:6-7 describes it:
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength.”
There are a couple of words in these verses I absolutely love.
Through
The valley of Baca is a metaphor of the dry, lonely, and hard places we encounter on our daily physical and spiritual pilgrimage through life. And the last three years we’ve found ourselves in some lonely and barren places. For the single people and extroverts, it’s been especially difficult pushing through each day alone finding their own way to Jerusalem…or their place of fulfillment, holiness, and refreshment. But we’re not stuck there. We are walking through and waiting for the autumn springs to come to renew and refresh. And we know they will come.
Springs
This image is of flowing water to refresh and burst forth with new life. Throughout the New Testament there are several references to living water being the Holy Spirit. When we walk through bareness with the courage of faith and believing that God is with us on this pilgrimage, and that the Holy Spirit will spring forth new life, our adversity is turned into a blessing. Springs of living water bring forth refreshment even into the most painful and difficult circumstances. Ultimately the rain of the Holy Spirit takes us from strength to strength.
Isn’t that a beautiful promise? Yes, eventually we will all go through our Baca Valley, but we’re not stuck there. When we pass through having faith that the Holy Spirit will soon refresh and restore, it gives us the strength and courage to move forward. One yes at a time. One step at a time. Once again, we will find ourselves surrounded by fresh beauty, new hope, and renewed strength. Hang on my friend your Jerusalem is coming.
