Walking in Valley of Baca

Traveling for business or vacation has become more hectic, with flight cancellations, poor hotel rooms, and unexpected events like hurricanes often disrupting plans. The Bible likens our life to a journey, filled with both joyful moments and times of uncertainty. Psalm 84 offers a powerful outline of this life journey.

Psalm 84:5-7: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84 is classified as a pilgrimage psalm, sung as praise by those who traveled to Jerusalem to worship.

Meaning of Baca
The Valley of Baca, derived from the Hebrew word “bakah,” meaning weeping, is often referred to as the Valley of Weeping. Pilgrims are said to pass through this valley on their journey, though scholars debate whether it’s a real location or a metaphor for a difficult phase in life. Regardless, they agree that Baca represents a challenging experience.

Strength before Baca.
Psalm 84:5 begins with, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you,” highlighting that before pilgrims reach the valley of Baca, they are strengthened by the Lord. This verse emphasizes that we are not meant to journey alone; God offers us a reliable source of strength, but we must choose to rely on it.

Passing Through Baca
Traversing this treacherous valley means enduring harsh, arid conditions that can leave travelers extremely thirsty. Some of the characteristics of Baca:

• Dry land: Baca is a place of extreme, and sometimes extended periods of dryness. There will be times you feel hopeless like Hagar felt (Genesis 16).
• Deserted land: Baca is also a deserted place where you feel there is no one to help. Walking on roads marked with rocks of uncertainty is certainly painful.
• Distorted land: In Baca, it can feel like everything you’ve known and believed, and even your faith in God, becomes distorted and distant. Trying to navigate your way through this land may seem futile at times.

Baca to Berakah
The Psalmist reminds us that when we trust God, the Valley of Baca can transform into the Valley of Berakah, a place of blessings. Even in dry times, they discovered pools of water, and as they waited for relief, God’s power came through, bringing refreshing rain to their parched land.

Strength to Strength
Travel can often leave us weary—kids exhausted, adults drained, and spirits low by the time we collect our luggage. But in this journey, something extraordinary happens. The traveler who trusts in God doesn’t just endure; he rises above it all, feeling more rejuvenated and full of vigor than ever.

End of Journey
Verse 7 reassures us that everyone will reach their destiny: Zion. Despite the dryness of the desert, the scorching heat, and the long, desperate days waiting for rain, nothing could stop the travelers from arriving at their destination.

Personal story
This blog article is written from the depths of the worst Valley of Baca my family and I have ever experienced. On June 4, 2024, our beloved 16-year-old daughter, Hannah, was called to her eternal home. Her sudden passing plunged us into a deep valley of weeping. Hannah was not just a proofreader, translation assistant, and audio reviewer for this blog ministry—she was our greatest encourager. Her absence is deeply felt in our daily lives and in all the ministries we are part of.

Walking through this valley has been incredibly difficult, yet the Bible reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted. In this valley, where noises of confusion and despair seem to overwhelm us, we still hear God’s gentle whispers of comfort. In moments when the weight of grief feels unbearable, we sense God’s eternal hands beneath us, holding us up. As waves of sadness bring rivers of tears, we feel His presence wiping them away, renewing our strength and giving us hope. We hold tightly to the promise of His Word, knowing that we will see her again on the other shore. But in the midst of our sorrow, we are encouraged by the legacy of our daughter’s life, which continues to produce new lives committed to serving the Lord.

Life Application
One thing we’ve learned through our own grief is that everyone walks through their valleys of Baca at some point. If life has led you through seasons of deep disappointment, heartbreaking loss, or overwhelming confusion, take heart—God has promised to be with you every step of the way. Even when the enemy whispers that it’s too much to bear, remember God’s unshakable promise: He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Let His promises nourish your soul, and allow His Word to strengthen your heart. The Psalmist reminds us, “O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” The same God who gave us strength before our valley, and walks with us through it now, is faithful to guide you through yours. One day, we will look back and see His faithfulness through it all. So even in grief, choose to find hope, for our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Side Note:
I began writing this article before Hannah went to her eternal home. It’s taken time and God’s strength to come back and finish it. My family and I would deeply appreciate your prayers as we continue to walk through this valley of grief.

Audio version: spoti.fi/3NCh0un

Spanish version: ​https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/caminando-por-el-valle-de-baca/

​Hindi version:​ ​https://bit.ly/4hh2DJI