As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. Psalm 84:6
Those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. Even the Valley of Baca - the valley of weeping - is a place where new life begins. Times of trouble will come in this life; this is certain. But God's hand is always there for those who turn to Him - guiding, holding, loving.
Lord, one of my greatest struggles is to trust You. It makes no sense. I am trusting of other people. Too often I naively approach human nature, and I am disappointed. But never, when I have trusted You, have I been disappointed.
There was a news story on television yesterday about the BTK killer in Wichita, Kansas. Capturing this man, who hid in plain sight, has brought relief to an entire city. However, one man shared a story that broke me heart. He admitted that he turned his back on God after finding his family murdered. He decided there was no God, and if there was, he wanted nothing to do with Him.
How sad.
Yet... How have I responded in devastating situations? As a child, my family was fractured by rage. My reaction was to hide within myself. Who am I to judge any other man for his response to something so horrible?
Father, help me to trust You. Give me eyes to see Your handiwork - even in the midst of confusing circumstance. Bring new life from pain.
Save this man who lost his family from the darkness that has enveloped him.