I began this series talking about exhaustion and the side effect of such weariness: wanting to get to the Presence of God when we feel so far away.
When getting there takes effort.
When the journey takes us through the desert places.
When the pace is all uphill.
Read MorePsalm 84 describes the pilgrim making this way to Zion, to the Presence of God. But the Valley of Weeping is part of the journey.
To our modern ears, going through the valley of Weeping sounds like something we would all rather avoid. I sure would! And this Covid crisis is indeed a Valley of Weeping for many: we have lost loved ones in this crisis--family members, classmates, neighbors, and more. We have lost jobs, opportunities, security, and the comfort of our routine. We feel isolated and lonely.
Read MoreYesterday I wrote about the catalyst for this series: God meeting me in the depths of exhaustion with the phrase, “Blessed are those whose strength is in You.” From that one little snippet, I started studying Psalm 84. In the writer’s song, I identify: I’m longing to be in God’s presence. I need the peace and refuge of His temple courts.
The whole verse of Psalm 84:5 says, “Blessed are those whose strength in in You, *in whose hearts are the highways to Zion.” *
When we make any journey, we have a “here” and “there” in mind. From a starting point, we have a desired destination, and the map shows us the route or the process to get where we want to end up. Yesterday, I read that first part, “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,” and it helped to identify my current location: Exhaustion Desert. But I want to get to Strength Mountain. I want to arrive in the Presence of God where I have total peace and access to His unfailing strength. I want to get to Zion. How can I arrive there?
Read MoreI’m 𝑒𝓍𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒹. I’ve been feeling it awhile, but today, I’m admitting it.
It’s not just Fridays. It’s not just cold, dreary days of January. It’s a deep exhaustion that comes from daily being surrounded by bad news and constant need. I’m depleted, devoid of the bank of energy that usually fuels me.
When I read this verse recently, “Blessed are those whose strength is in You,” it hit me square on.
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