Journey of Faith: From Valleys to Victories

Summary

Psalm 84 paints a vivid picture of the Christian life as a journey—a pilgrimage with a destination that God has uniquely designed for each of us. We are not meant to remain at our starting point, nor to circle the same mountains of struggle and disappointment. Instead, God calls us to set our hearts on moving forward, trusting that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. The journey is not always easy; there are valleys of weeping, seasons of discouragement, and moments when it feels like we are stuck on the tarmac, waiting for something to change. Yet, these valleys are not dead ends. They are places where God intends to give us springs—sources of refreshment and new strength that we could not have received any other way.

The key is perseverance. Like the heroes of faith—Joseph, Ruth, David, and especially Caleb—we are called to keep showing up, to refuse to let discouragement or the mistakes of others derail us. Caleb’s story is a powerful example: despite being sidelined for 40 years because of others’ unbelief, he never let go of God’s promise. At 85, he was as strong as ever, ready to claim his inheritance and pass on a legacy to the next generation. Our journey is not just about personal breakthrough; it’s about gaining something in the hard places that we can pour into others.

God’s vision for us is not stagnation but progression—from strength to strength, from one level of maturity to another. This requires a prophetic vision, a mindset that expects God to do more, even after years of delay or disappointment. We must not let go of what God has promised, nor allow ourselves to become dismayed or broken down. Instead, we are to encourage ourselves in the Lord, lean on Him in the wilderness, and emerge with springs that refresh not only us but those who come after us. Today is a day of new beginnings, a call to set our hearts on pilgrimage, to press through the valleys, and to hold tightly to the promises of God, knowing that breakthrough and revival are on the horizon.

Key Takeaways

- The Christian life is a journey, not a static experience. God has a destination for each of us, and our starting point is never meant to be our ending point. We must continually ask ourselves if we are advancing in our walk with God, refusing to settle for spiritual stagnation or to compare our journey with others. The call is to set our hearts on pilgrimage, believing that God has more for us in every season. [35:53]

- Perseverance is essential, especially when facing delays, disappointments, or the consequences of others’ choices. The heroes of faith were not immune to hardship or failure, but what set them apart was their refusal to give up. Even when forgotten, betrayed, or discouraged, they kept moving forward, trusting that God would complete what He started. Our perseverance in the face of adversity is what positions us for breakthrough. [45:45]

- The valleys of weeping—the “Baca” moments—are not places to camp or give up, but opportunities to receive new springs from God. When we pass through these difficult seasons with a mindset of faith, God transforms our pain into sources of refreshment and strength. These springs are not just for us; they become testimonies and resources we can share with others who are walking through their own valleys. [52:02]

- Our journey is meant to be one of increasing strength and maturity. God’s plan is for us to go from “strength to strength,” not to be worn down by life’s challenges. This requires a prophetic vision—a sense of where God is leading us and a willingness to pursue it, even when the path is unclear or the process is slow. We must hold tightly to God’s promises, refusing to let go or lose heart. [54:42]

- The legacy of our journey is not just personal victory, but the ability to pass on what we have gained to the next generation. Like Caleb, we are called to impart the springs we have received—both the heavenly and the earthly blessings—to those who come after us. Our perseverance and faithfulness ensure that our journey has lasting impact, equipping others to walk further and stronger in their own pilgrimage. [01:06:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:53] - Introduction to Psalm 84: The Journey
[39:11] - Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation
[41:15] - God’s Promise of Completion
[43:26] - The Danger of Falling Short
[45:45] - Perseverance Through Hardship
[47:14] - Showing Up When Discouraged
[50:14] - Overcoming Discouragement and Dismay
[52:02] - Passing Through the Valley of Weeping
[54:42] - Mindset for Breakthrough
[01:01:27] - Caleb: A Model of Faithful Journey
[01:06:40] - Leaving a Legacy: Springs for the Next Generation
[01:08:12] - Holding Fast to God’s Promises
[01:09:30] - Closing Prayer and Impartation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 84 – The Journey

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 84:5-7 (ESV)
> Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 84:5-7, what does it mean for someone’s heart to be “set on pilgrimage” or “the highways to Zion”?
2. According to the passage, what happens when people pass through the Valley of Baca?
3. The sermon described the Valley of Baca as a place of weeping or hardship. What does the Psalm say is the result of passing through this valley? [52:02]
4. What progression do we see in verse 7, and how does it relate to the idea of spiritual growth?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said, “God has a destination for each one of us. Our starting place isn’t our ending place.” How does this idea challenge the way people sometimes view their spiritual life? [35:53]
2. Why do you think God allows us to go through valleys or hard seasons instead of just taking us around them? What might He want to accomplish in us through these times? [52:02]
3. Caleb waited 40 years because of others’ unbelief, but he never let go of God’s promise. What does his story teach us about perseverance and holding onto God’s promises, even when things are delayed? [01:01:27]
4. The Psalm says, “They go from strength to strength.” What does it look like in real life to move from one level of strength or maturity to another, rather than staying in the same place? [54:42]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon compared spiritual stagnation to sitting on a plane stuck on the tarmac. Are there areas in your walk with God where you feel “stuck” or not moving forward? What is one step you could take this week to move forward? [39:11]
2. When you face discouragement or disappointment, what is your usual response? Is there a practical way you can “encourage yourself in the Lord” the next time you feel like giving up? [50:14]
3. Think about a recent “Valley of Baca” moment in your life—a season of weeping or hardship. Looking back, can you identify any “springs” or sources of refreshment that God gave you through that time? How could you share that with someone else? [52:02]
4. Caleb was able to pass on a legacy to the next generation because he persevered. Is there something you have gained through your journey with God that you could intentionally pass on to someone younger in the faith? What would that look like? [01:06:40]
5. The sermon challenged us to have a “prophetic vision”—to expect God to do more, even after years of delay or disappointment. What is one promise or dream from God that you may have let go of? What would it look like to pick it up again? [54:42]
6. The Psalm says we go “from strength to strength.” What is one area of your spiritual life where you want to see growth this month? How can the group support you in that?
7. The sermon said, “Our journey is not just about personal breakthrough; it’s about gaining something in the hard places that we can pour into others.” Who is someone in your life who might need encouragement from your story? How could you reach out to them this week? [52:02]

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Devotional

Day 1: Set Your Heart on the Journey
God calls each of us to a journey—a pilgrimage—not just a one-time experience but a lifelong pursuit of His purposes. No matter where you started or what your past looks like, what matters is your willingness to move forward, to believe that God has more for you, and to set your heart on advancing toward the destination He has prepared. Even if you feel stuck or delayed, God’s plan is for you to keep moving, to refuse to settle, and to trust that He will complete the good work He began in you. [39:11]

Psalm 84:5-7 (ESV)
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.

Reflection: Where in your life have you settled or stopped moving forward spiritually, and what is one step you can take today to set your heart on the journey God has for you?


Day 2: Persevere Through Delays and Difficulties
The journey of faith is not without obstacles—delays, disappointments, and even the mistakes of others can threaten to derail us. Yet, God calls us to persevere, to refuse to let discouragement or setbacks cause us to give up. Like the heroes of faith, we are to keep showing up, to encourage ourselves in the Lord, and to trust that God is with us wherever we go. Strength and courage are needed, and God promises His presence through every season, no matter how long the delay or how great the challenge. [47:14]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or delay you are facing—how can you encourage yourself in the Lord and choose perseverance today instead of giving in to discouragement?


Day 3: Turn Valleys of Weeping into Springs
Every believer will pass through the valley of Baca—the valley of weeping—but God’s promise is that we do not have to stay there. When we determine to keep moving forward, God transforms our places of pain into springs of refreshment, not only for ourselves but for others as well. The difficulties you endure can become the very source of blessing and strength that you and those around you need, as you lean on Jesus and allow Him to bring you through. [52:02]

Song of Solomon 8:5 (ESV)
Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?

Reflection: What is one area of pain or disappointment in your life that you can bring to Jesus today, asking Him to turn it into a source of strength and blessing?


Day 4: Go From Strength to Strength
God’s vision for your life is not stagnation but continual growth—He desires that you go from strength to strength, maturing and increasing in spiritual might. Just as creation unfolded in ever-increasing complexity and beauty, so too does God want to lead you into greater fruitfulness and deeper relationship with Him. No matter how many years have passed or how many times you feel you’ve circled the same mountain, today can be a new beginning as you embrace His call to move forward. [54:42]

Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God calling you to grow or mature, and how can you pursue that growth intentionally this week?


Day 5: Pass On Your Springs—Leave a Legacy
The journey is not just about your own breakthrough; God desires that you pass on the springs you’ve gained through your trials to the next generation. Like Caleb, who after decades of faithfulness was able to give both land and springs to his daughter, you are called to impart what you have received to others. The difficulties you have overcome are not wasted—they become a legacy of blessing, refreshing, and spiritual inheritance for those who come after you. [01:06:40]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life—family, friend, or fellow believer—to whom you can intentionally pass on encouragement, wisdom, or spiritual blessing this week?

Quotes

Wherever you are in your Christian walk, I want you to know that God has more. He wants you to take further steps even in this hour because there's a completion that God wants us to be confident in that he has for everyone, and it's intended to be greater than where we started from. We're meant to increase and not diminish. [00:41:31] (27 seconds)  #GodHasMoreInStore Edit Clip

If we take hold of a heart being set on the journey. And we say, I'm going to persevere no matter what comes in my direction. And we're going to find just like they did that we're going to get through and we're going to have the Lord complete what he desires in our lives. [00:47:13] (19 seconds)  #PersevereForCompletion Edit Clip

The key when your heart is set on the journey is to say, you know what, I'm going to keep showing up. I don't feel like it. I don't necessarily want to be there, but I'm going to show up. I'm just going to sit there and you'll find that the Holy Spirit comes and all of a sudden your hands are lifted up and God begins to change things. And there's breakthroughs and you go, I'm so glad I didn't give up. [00:47:53] (32 seconds)  #FaithfulPresence Edit Clip

We all go through seasons of weeping where things aren't going our way and people maybe didn't do us right and there's all sorts of history. But I love what we see here as God's plan. He says that you're going to, or when you pass through the valley of Baca, he doesn't say you're going to go around the valley of Baca. It's like you're going to go, yay, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me. It's like we're on our way through. We don't stop in the valley of Baca. If you are in the valley of Baca, the valley of weeping, even now I've got some advice. Keep going. Keep stepping out of it because there's a way to get out of the valley of Baca. [00:52:02] (56 seconds)  #PassingThroughTheValley Edit Clip

Wherever you are today, no matter how many years have gone by, no matter if you feel like you've wasted the last 30 years, I'm telling you today is the day of new beginning. Today is the day that God says we're going in further. We're passing through some things because our starting point is just the beginning. [00:58:54] (23 seconds)  #NewBeginningsToday Edit Clip

If we don't know where we're going and we don't have an idea of what we want to see God do in our lives, we're just kind of going to be wandering around. But we need to take hold of what his promises for us are. [00:59:49] (16 seconds)  #PurposefulPromises Edit Clip

We can be sidelined in our life in Christ because of mistakes that other people make and we can become embittered and we can point the bony finger I'm telling you right now there's going to be people who do the wrong thing have the wrong confession don't know what they're doing but as Joshua said I know we're looking at Caleb but Joshua said as for me and my household oh we're serving the Lord we have to stop the industry of pointing at other people's faults and worry about what am I doing on my journey let me worry about how I can propel ahead let me worry about how I can bring others along with me. [01:02:26] (51 seconds)  #FocusOnYourJourney Edit Clip

The difficulties you've been through haven't been wasted. They've given you springs and their upper and lower springs, those things that touch heaven and those things that minister here on earth. God has a desire for his people to be carriers that we could say, what would you like? What would you like me to pour into you? [01:06:46] (26 seconds)  #SpringsOfBlessing Edit Clip

If Caleb had quit, that would have been the end of his story. And all that had happened after wouldn't have happened. And Aksa wouldn't have been able to attain what she did. So let's not ever quit before the due season. Let's not stop. Let's not even come late to what God has. Let's not just stare at the delayed board. But let's say, we're out of here. We're flying to our next destination. I'm telling you, breakthrough is on the horizon. Revival is close at hand. And let's go from strength to strength as we set our hearts on pilgrimage. [01:08:40] (45 seconds)  #NeverQuitTheJourney Edit Clip