The Valley Of Baca

by Norman P. Spotts, D.D.

“Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools” (Psalm 84:6).

Many believers today are spiritually experiencing the journey through the valley of Baca; Baca was actually a valley near Jerusalem, but its name means the place of weeping.

What causes the redeemed of God to shed tears? One reason why believers weep is due to repentance over sin, either their own sin or someone else’s. David wept over his own sin; Jeremiah wept over Israel’s sin and impending judgment.

Others weep because of the intense physical pain and suffering that has become part of their daily experience. Still others are brought to tears over the mental anguish of a situation that, through no fault of their own, has come upon them. Think of Job.

The Apostle Paul was brought to tears over the burden of the ministry. “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31).

Every Christian sooner or later finds himself in the valley of Baca, filling it with tears. But God’s promises are very clear as to how to be victorious in spite of these hard circumstances of life.

The first promise in our text is, “Who passing through the valley of Baca.” The believer is promised that he will not be in the dry valley forever. He will get through it. Refreshing rain will come. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

The second promise is in Psalm 84:7. “They go from strength to strength.” Not our own strength, but the Lord’s strength. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee” (v.5). Our strength is insufficient; God’s supernatural strength and grace are completely sufficient.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear” (Psalm 46:1,2). NPS