Cassville has been in a difficult season.
So many friends have suffered loss and trauma we feel a collective grief. We weep with those who weep. This was on my mind as I began my time alone with God today.
Each day, I try to make time to orient myself spiritually. Most days, I look at some Scripture and listen for the voice of God speaking through it. Then, I respond in dialogue with God.
Lately, I’ve found it helpful to start by reading a psalm and then selecting a short excerpt on which to really focus. Eventually, I type a response to God based upon that verse or two. Writing forces me to focus and crystalize my thoughts. By taking the time to write, I usually find deeper meanings I had not yet seen.
I also balance the psalm with a New Testament text.
Lately, I’ve enjoyed reading and then putting sections of the Gospels into my own words.
Occasionally, I meet with a group of pastors and we share things such as where we have experienced God speaking to us through Scriptures. All of these things have proven to be useful tools in strengthening my relationship with God over the years.
I recommend that you try something like this for a while if you never have. Why am I telling you all this, especially when the point of this writing is to speak to the pain that so many are feeling right now?
I want to share with you the text that came up on my rotation today. It is Psalm 84, verses 5-7.
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”
(NIV) How true it is that those who access God’s strength, instead of depending upon their own, are blessed. This is most evident in times of trial. I love the idea of a heart on pilgrimage — a journey. There is a specific destination and it implies a sacred, meaningful purpose. It is a step-by-step movement in God’s direction over a life-time.
It helps to know that Baka means “weeping.” Those who are journeying with God, strengthened by Him, go through desert times of weeping, only to see them eventually become places of fresh spring water. Tears are turned to spring water.
That is better than water to wine in my book. God guides from one place of shelter to another until we finally reach our ultimate destination with God.
Yes, there are times of weeping. That doesn’t go away in this life. But in God’s strength we experience new, life-giving and refreshing water. I’m reminded of Jesus meeting the woman at the well in her desert time and bringing that new life to her.
Most of the time, there are no “answers” for life’s questions of suffering. What we have is something much deeper and richer; a relationship with God where God Himself walks with us on the journey, carrying us when necessary, to get us to the next place of rest.
If you need that rest — that strength — today in your desert place, I suggest it is available in God. Psalm 46:1 is one of my favorite verses.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
God will be your strength if you lean on Him.
Jeff Fugitt is the pastor of Cassville United Methodist Church, located at 601 Gravel Street in Cassville. He may be reached at 417-847 2328 or cassvilleumcpastor@gmail.com..
