Psalms 49; 84; 85; 87: the passage we read today reminds me of a trip that we took to that region in the last few years. Here is how the Psalm reads.
84:5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!

Our trip took us from the Mediterranean Sea through the mountains of Lebanon to eventually the Baca Valley. As we entered this valley the rocky terrain gave way to fertile dark soil where groves of grapes and produce grew. As you looked up you could see the mountains of Israel, Syria and Lebanon all cascading into this beautiful valley. There is a lake there that shares these borders as well. After one how ascended the mountains they would have found refuge in the is valley below.
In the days we were there we had come to minister to Syrian refugees who have taken up residence there until the war has passed in their country. As far as the eye could see were blue tarps held up on wooden polls making make shift homes for those who had fled with little to nothing. It truly was a place of refuge for them. As they hunkered down to a new life there the sounds of war were still not far away and the hope of return to their homeland sprung eternal in them.
The reason we were in Baca was to share the hope of the Messiah that this scripture points to. They do not know Him or His strength, but our hope is that as they are seeking wisdom and guidance they will find The Truth.
May we all go from strength to strength today in the power and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ.