In the midst of affliction, we as Christians can thrive. We can transform the valleys of our lives into beautiful and lush places. This is only possible through The Holy Spirit, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Notice what Psalms says,

"Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south." [Psa 126:4]

The southern streams referenced here are dry in the summer. They are nothing special; at first glance it may be confusing. But after the rains of autumn, these streams are like torrents. And so the Psalmist wishes for a dire situation to turn drastically such as these streams. He pleads for God to make him and his fellows overflowing.

This is a picture of Jesus restoring our captivity, of reversing our affliction, of girding us with joy and gladness. Jesus fills us to overflowing with The Holy Spirit!

The Psalmist says in another place,

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee: in whose heart are the highways. Who passing through the Valley of Weeping make it a place irrigated with fountains; the early rain also covers it with benefits. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God" [Psa 84:5-7]

Put your strength in Jesus Christ, be strong in His grace and press on! Go on from strength to strength; hope in the filling of The Holy Spirit and move through this valley of weeping. Consider the promise of The Holy Spirit here and place your strength in Christ The Rock; have in your heart the highways of God, the fear of The Living God, and let Christ make this valley of weeping a place bursting and bubbling forth with His Spirit, covered with benefits!

CONCLUSION

When we place our strength in Jesus, in His grace, then the valleys in our lives become places irrigated with fountains. They become places, where instead of constant weeping and trouble and dryness, we can look forward to the next fountain of strength. We go from strength to strength in this life, sojourning until we come to our Beloved Bridegroom Jesus!