Passing Through Baca
by Dianne Jones
Psalm 84 is a song of pilgrims going to the temple in Jerusalem. To get there, they had to pass through the hot, dry, barren valley of Baca (weeping). In Baca, all our props, comforts, and everything we depend on for our security is stripped away. In the current situation in which we all find ourselves, maybe you feel that you are going through such a valley.
Without the Lord, the valley of Baca is a frightening and lonely place of fear, loss and confusion, but for those who are not yet believers, it is an opportunity to turn to Him in repentance as they get to the end of their resources. Let us pray that for our family members and friends in this situation. Praise God for the wonderful testimonies we have heard or read recently!
For those who dwell in His house (Psalm 84:4), Baca is a place of safety and blessing. God has not abandoned us in this valley of weeping. In Hebrews 13:5b, He assures us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” While loving and comforting us, God wants to work deeply in our lives, removing everything we trust in instead of Him alone. Will you let Him? If the answer is yes, Holy Spirit will deeply cleanse you, restore you, draw you into greater intimacy with Himself, and empower you to continue to walk in His way. As it says in Psalm 84:6, the valley then becomes a place of springs!
Baca is a necessary part of our journey, but it is only temporary. We will all come out of the valley. However, the vital question is, what will you be like? Will you revert to your old habits and props, or will you continue to walk in your healing, in intimacy with your Heavenly Father, to fulfil the destiny God has for you?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You are with me and comfort me in my situation of fear, worry, pain, grief, confusion, or despair. I choose to let You do a deep work in me so that I grow in intimacy with You and I trust You as You lead me on the path You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dianne Jones God called Dianne from Australia to Yugoslavia in 1987. She initially served with another mission organisation while working as a paediatrician. After attending the Flagship in Springhill, Western Australia, in 2010, God led her to work with Ellel Ministries. In 2011, she joined the Central and Eastern European Development Team. Since late November 2018, she has been leading Ellel Ministries Croatia, and, more recently, also Ellel in Slovenia. Her passion is to help people to grow in intimacy with their Heavenly Father and to walk into their destiny in God’s kingdom, and to train current and potential ministry team and teachers.
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