The Valley of Baca

Walking through the Valley of Bacca (Ps 84), and growing in strength
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Not every battle is won by those who refuse to give up, and not every battle is lost by those who do give up. The journey through the Valley of Bacca is an accepting of the trials from the hand of the Lord and a confidence in His ability to bring us through to victory. Every victory is the Lord’s. It is a commitment to the process of walking through these trials with Him, until we stand in His presence for our final acceptance. Each trial, each trial, persecution and affliction brings the lessons which are in the pools of our tears. That person which will drink from the pools is drinking from the cup of sorrows, only to become transformed into God’s image.

The widow was commended for never giving up with her perseverance before the unjust judge (Lk 18:2-8). She kept crying out, asking . . . and this is what God’s people are not to give up on; their prayers. He always hears our prayers. The entire walk through the Valley of Bacca God hears our prayers. He sees our tears, and understands our heart’s cry. Never give up asking for justice. Believe in God’s fairness towards His people.

Even though we don’t know what to believe about our own selves, at least we should not believe the evil accusations about God and ourselves, and give up. Believe the Word of God. Then He is able to counsel, teach, here a little, there a little, building our faith up. When we have more faith to stand on, we can walk in more authority towards our enemy.


In Isaiah 61 we read about God’s mercy and grace towards His people. Isaiah foretold of them being restored to God through the ministry of Jesus. He bound up the brokenhearted, proclaimed freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. He proclaimed the year of favor and the day of vengeance of our God. Jesus comforts all who mourn and gives them a crown of beauty of instead of ashes, and the oil of gladness instead of mourning. Our circumstances can make us afraid and sorrowful, but God sends His Spirit in this Age to rescue us. He leads us into praise when we are in despair, even calling us “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor”. Oaks are strong. In Isaiah 53:12 it is written that Jesus divides the spoils with the strong.

In making us strong, it not only affects our personal walk with the Lord, but our community, or Church walk with the Lord. He rebuilds things that have failed in the past, and restores lost promises. He brings help from unknown sources. And He sets us into our identity in Him; priests and ministers. There is no shame after struggling through our trials. There is glory.