“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.” (Ps 84:5)

Have you ever felt like your life is shattered by the unpredictable trouble and fear in recent years from the global pandemic, inflation boom, growing violence, and numerous natural disasters? It is hard to feel secure about our life and surroundings. The world is full of uncertainty, afflictions, and tears. Yet, we all need to face and pass through our journey of life to make the pilgrimage.

“As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.” (Ps 84:6-7)

Those who go to the highways of Zion must go through the valley of Beca (tears). But the Latter Rain (Holy Spirit) shall assist and console us as a land of spring with hope. The power and consolation of the Holy Spirit will assist us to overcome the afflictions of the world. Therefore, those who depend on God for strength have resources on which to rely in life’s difficult pilgrimage. They will never be without a well of comfort in a dry and barren land; instead, they grow from strength to strength.

Life is filled with many challenges. We all have troubles. There are always going to be ups and downs in life. We need to have the strength from God to go through hard times. In times of difficulties, we need to stay connected to God through unceasing prayers and meditation of His Word. With the temptations of this world, it is easy to lose focus and attention on our faith. Each crisis could be a turning point for us to reflect on our faith, readjust our pace and path, and rely on God to regain our strength.

“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Ps 73:26)

The strength of our heart can help us overcome life’s difficulties. The younger we are, the more strength we have. As we grow older, we may feel weaker and weaker in dealing with stress and difficulties. No matter how hopeless our journey of life has become, we have only to remember that, in the depths of our despair, we will always have hope in the Lord. He will always be guarding and watching over us. We only have to look towards Him. ”I will lift up my eyes to the hills – From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Ps 121:1, 2). Indeed, the Lord is the strength of our life.