Just Passing Through

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs…They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God…” Psalm 84:5-7

I can’t tell you the number of times I have wrapped this passage around my painful circumstances like a much-needed garment on a blustery day. It is only fitting that the Lord sent this passage to me this morning as a loving reminder of how far I have come on the pilgrimage of grief. Today marks 10 years since I saw my sister on this earth with my eyes. As she lay there still and silent, I know that she was already seeing Heaven and the outstretched hand of God welcoming her home. Our family had applied God’s strength to our pilgrimage, and it was time to move through the Valley of Baca [weeping]. We knew that along the way God would provide springs of strength and comfort if we were faithful to move from strength to strength and not take up residence in our pain. Here we are a decade later of moving from comfort to comfort and the promises have been fulfilled. At each turn…at each holiday…at each moment where tears flowed making a spring… God met us at that place and healed our hearts. Don’t get me wrong…as you know I’m sure it is a tough pilgrimage, but God is tougher. God is stronger. God is the God of the eternal, so the end of our pilgrimage is right into the arms of our loved ones, and 'till each appears before God.'

I continue to receive messages regarding new pilgrimages into troubled times with plenty of weeping. But the promise is there, and we can count on God equipping and providing all that is required and needed. For the parent who fears their child is on the wrong path kneel by the spring and splash yourself in God’s word where the prodigal child returns home. For the brokenhearted who had to say goodbye to their loved one temporarily, visit the empty grave of Christ. For the one who has received a medical diagnosis walk in the many feet of those in the Bible who were touched by Jesus and healed from their sickness. The Bible is full of peril and promise…suffering and healing…sadness and celebration. From Genesis to Revelation are the many springs of strength and comfort in which we are invited to drench ourselves.

Whatever valley through which you are walking, set your pilgrimage on Who instead of what and you will receive strength at every point and in every step.