“. . .passing through the valley of Sorrow (Baca), they make it a place of springs” (Psalm 84:6)
Only God has the ability to work all things together for good. But He fashioned us in His image so that we could work some things together for good. The change begins within our own mind. Our perception of any given situation is crucial.
Once I was in the company of several people viewing a house being considered for purchase. I was amazed at the various reactions regarding the condition of the property. The house was over twenty-five years old and was showing signs of wear and tear and its interior reflected a style from two decades prior. One outspoken friend looked it over and said, “Yuck! I could never live in a place like this. Everything is so outdated and dirty and worn out.” Another friend quietly voiced her opinion, “You know, with some new carpet, several gallons of paint and little ‘elbow grease’ this house could be a lovely home for a family.”
One saw nothing but obstacles. The other saw potential. One had eyes that “saw not.” The other person could see the possibility of transformation. Faith sees potential because it pierces the seemingly obvious on into the unseen----the not yet visible realm. Faith and Love work together to view a difficult, stubborn, proud or undesirable person in terms of what they could become. Jesus looked beyond the unstable and impetuous behavior of Simon and saw leadership and stability. He thereafter called him Peter (Rock). Love believes all things.
Is this some kind of manipulation or “mind over matter” game from self-help psychology? No. But it is psychology at its very finest. No one understands the human soul (psyche in Greek) better than God. No one loves you with greater intensity than Him. No one desires for you to reach your full potential more than your Creator. And no one can do inside of you what He does----releasing His Spirit (upon request) to transform the heart or any situation. By His Spirit you can dig a well and find refreshing springs in the midst of the most desolate valley. You can speak “life-giving” words to those around you and further the process of tapping in them the wells of renewal, faith and hope----thus helping to lift them from trying circumstances.
You are a pilgrim. This life is one long valley of Baca (Weeping or Sorrow). But you can transform it, for yourself and others, into a place of springs---an oasis of hope. Jesus called you the “salt of the earth.” You are the divine preservative in a decaying civilization. He called you the “light of the world” in a realm of darkness and deception. Why not accept your role as an oasis in this spiritually deprived desert?
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