Valley of Baca

Baca, the Valley of Weeping. Who has not passed through it at some time in their life?  And that’s just it, for me and those I know, it’s only a valley that occasionally must be traversed. But what of those who actually live in this valley, who have lived in this valley all their lives or for years, and see no hope of ever getting out? I’m speaking of people far removed from my clean, orderly life; people I’ve read about or heard about in some documentary; people in third-world countries who forage in dumpsites for a living; children who have been stolen from parents and forced into the sex trade; people, like those in Haiti who, a year after the earthquake, still live in tents.  People who have lost hope, who see no future.

It seems as if the scope of this valley is growing, and may continue to grow in the months and years ahead.  Floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes have already ravaged our country and countries everywhere.  The homes of millions swept away, their life’s work, their savings, gone.  Unemployment continues to rise, countries continue to face financial ruin.  All grounds for weeping.

As the Valley of Baca enlarges and deepens, my prayer is that God will give those of us who don’t live there, a heart of compassion, hands that seek to help, feet that run to comfort.  The psalmist in Psalm 84:6 asks God to make the Valley of Baca for those going through it, a well, and rain to fill the pool.  Only God can fill such a dry and bitter place.  Only God can fill us with the love, courage, strength and resources to make a difference there.

Oh, may God give us His heart of love for those who weep!

Until next week,

Sylvia