Fearless faith does not mean nonchalant, foolish carelessness about what is going on around you.  Indeed, faith means that we are prepared to walk through the valley of Baca (the valley of tears) filled with thorns, sorrows, pitfalls, and vipers because at the other side is our city of refuge and the tabernacle of God.   It is remembering that God is with us every step of that journey as pilgrims through the valley of Baca, guiding each step.  It is understanding that He is in control. 

God Provides All You Need In the Midst of the Desert Valleys

photo courtesy of Sarah Barba ©2013

Psalm 84 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!

2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.

4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

7 They go from strength to strength, …

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

The valley of Baca was a harsh desert.  Refreshing water came only as God provided it.  Those passing through had to rely upon God to supply their needs each step of the way.  God had placed

the City of Refuge and Worship in a place that required those entering to walk through the Valley of Baca.  Why?  Because by nature we are such a foolish people who would desire to trust in our own selves instead of in the only one who can supply our needs unless we are placed in the situation where we must seek Him.  We would be content with counterfeit joys, if He did not draw our eyes toward Him the only true joy.  Oh, the question is whether the arrival is worth the journey to get there?   Yes.  The journey toward fearless faith requires walking through the valleys of tears, dangers, and trials until we reach that point that we recognize that peace, joy, hope, love, and comfort are found in our relationship with God.  It is in that place of resting in Him and the knowledge gained of who He really is that leads us always forward at His command.  We listen for His voice and we follow where ever He leads, because we have learned to trust Him and all of His promises toward us.  There it is we go from strength to strength.  How do we walk through the valley?

1.  Long for God–seeking Him.

2.  Cry out for Him in prayer

3.  Praise Him in the midst of every valley.

4.  Remember that your strength is in Him who is omnipotent.

5.  Remember His love and His promises to you as you remember who you are in Christ.

If you have forgotten or do not know who you are in Christ, I recommend you go back to the conclusion of an earlier series and read it.   Living in Christ-Conclusion

One of my favorite songs was written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty.  In one of the verses it says:  "No guilt in life, No fear in death–this is the power of Christ in me."  I recommend you listen to this song.  

"In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty

©2013 Effie Darlene Barba

Photo used by permission ©2013 Sarah Barba and can be found at http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/sarah+barba/all

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.