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“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca
they make it a spring.
The rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength.
Each one appears before God in Zion.”
Psalm 84:5-7 NKJV
Growing up I did a lot of traveling with my family. My parents were missionaries in Chiapas, Mexico. Every 6 months we had to exit the country and renew our visas. Occasionally we made a day’s journey to Guatemala, but more often we drove the length of Mexico, through Texas, and on to Oregon and Washington where we had family to stay with. During my early teens we made two tours, one around the Northwest, the other around the US, sharing mission experiences and music on our 8 foot Chipanecan marimba.
But more than my childhood experiences which have shaped my life, God has put within me a restless spirit which is not satisfied with living in this world. Spiritually I’m a pilgrim on a journey; a woman traveling to and fro until the day my Jesus comes to take me HOME. My name, Barbara, even implies my condition. Barbara means stranger. Like the words of this hymn imply, “I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home.” I don’t belong on this earth. Like the words of this Psalm, I am a blessed woman because my heart is set on pilgrimage. I can relate to Abraham and Sarah, of whom it is written, “ They died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13.
For me life is like a journey. I’ve climbed mountains, strolled through valleys, been in areas of wilderness, and sailed across seas. My experiences on my spiritual travels have been as varied as the terrain—flowered meadows, rugged peaks, mirrored lakes, rushing mountain streams, or grassy hillsides. Through them all I’ve walked as a pilgrim, searching for the perfect place to settle down. It’s not in this earth, so I’ve set my sites upward, where by faith I know I have a place to belong and I will be able to finally rest.
The “Valley of Baca” mentioned in this Psalm is a place of weeping, for that is the meaning of the word Baca. I’ve been through such a valley many times, but out of those times of weeping God has provided blessings. Springs and pools are formed when it rains. In the Bible rain is sometimes used as a symbol for the Spirit of God. What makes the difference? Rain. There’s a scripture passage in Isaiah which reads, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18, 19.
Spiritual blessings are bestowed on those who are pilgrims on this earth, traveling through deserts and valleys of weeping. God’s Spirit makes the difference. God is able to take the barren places in our lives and transform them into rose gardens, because the streams of His abundant love spring forth. “The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing.” Isaiah 35:2.
Look today for the pools of blessing that God has put beside the path you travel. Beside these pools roses may be in bloom, or tiny wild flowers. Gather up the little promises of God, as you would a bouquet of flowers, and drink at the pool. Find refreshment as you spend time reflecting on God’s leading in your life. Go in God’s strength. Remember, my fellow pilgrim, it won’t be long now until we’ll be HOME.
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