The Way of God

Psalms 84

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.'...For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (v.5-7,11,12)

This psalm captures the essence of true and embraced hope in God for our life. Even though believers can have an assurance of seeing God at the end of life’s journey, we are offered the perspective on the blessed path that leads to God. The blessed quality of living is not only about the expected comforts at our future destination. If we strive through life only to hope for what lies ahead in heaven, then we neglect the true companionship we can already have with God in our present life’s journey.

Our life on earth is a training ground for our growing faith. Everyday we attend the classroom of God’s instruction. God provides each of us uniquely tailored lessons as we embrace the strength and faith that he provides. Barnes’ Notes offers a unique perspective on the “valley of Baca “

mentioned.

"The true rendering is, "valley of lamentation," or weeping; and it

may have reference to some lonely valley in Palestine - where there

was no water - a gloomy way - through which those commonly

passed who went up to the place of worship. ..employed as an

illustration of the effect of religion in diffusing happiness and

comfort where there was trouble and sorrow - as if fountains

should be made to flow in a sterile and desolate valley."

(Barnes Notes)

Barnes helps us understand that this psalm reminds us that despite the terrain of our life, even in hardship and trials we can find a refreshing, a peace and an uncommon happiness at such difficult times. The “way” was a designated pathway toward the temple of God, where God comforted and provided strength to believers. The temple was the destination but God was to be found in the journey as well. Sometimes we may find the journey difficult. Life has many challenges that can complicate our efforts. But God offers us “steps” for our footing as we make our way from "strength to strength” toward heaven where we will surely “see God”.

In the way, “God is our sun and shield”. He provides light in darkness, clarity of vision and protection from those that threaten our journey. When we rely on God during the changing seasons of life, we learn the true measure of grace that is extended toward us. Such grace saturates our life as we characterize grace toward others in the way we live. Grace becomes the emblem of promise for the paired glory that is shared for us as believers. Further, we are promised that our necessary needs will be met and we will not be denied of any “good or beneficial thing” that comes our way. If life is to be found in God, then we can be confident that our best of

life is assured in the following the ways of God. If we trust God as our father and teacher in life, we can be secure in his companionship in the journey. Have a blessed day, my friends.