Pastor Wes Morris
Psalm 84:1-7 (NIV) How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. 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.
✓ Leave what is comfortable.
✓ Leave what is familiar.
Baka = valley of weeping; a place of sorrow and difficulty.
I. VALLEYS CAUSE ME TO LOOK UP.
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV) I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 84:5 Blessed are those who make You their strength, for they treasure every step of the journey.
II. VALLEYS CAUSE ME TO LOOK IN.
Psalm 139:23 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
III. IN THE VALLEY, GOD IS NEAR.
Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
IV. IN THE VALLEY, I CHOOSE TO WORSHIP.
Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.
