Psalm 84   
 ⁵ What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
      who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
 ⁶ When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
      it will become a place of refreshing springs.
      The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
 ⁷ They will continue to grow stronger,
      and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

A faithful Jew made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year for feasts and fellowship with God.  On the way he would get weary and in need of refreshment.  On the way he would walk through valleys.  In these three verses lie a promise for the pilgrim.  It's a promise that doesn't make sense in the natural realm- the longer you walk, and the more you walk through, the stronger you will get.

strength for the journey
First of all, that for those of us on pilgrimage to the Eternal Jerusalem, we have a resource beyond our ability or emotional capacity in this life.  We can gain strength from the Lord when we are weak.

strength in the valley
Secondly, that, though there is going to be seasons of grief and pain, of barreness and weariness, that we can experience the refreshing presence of the Lord and be clothed in blessings in the midst of it.   David described it this way: "Even when I walk       through the dark valley of death
   I will not be afraid,
      for you are close beside me"

strength that increases
Finally, and perhaps most amazing, is the promise in verse 7, "they will continue to grow stronger..."  God's promise to us that are journeying through life towards an eternity with him, is that we will experience a lifetime of strength and refreshing from him along the way; strength that actually increases in us the longer we walk.   Father,
Give us faith to receive this amazing promise for our lives.  Breathe into the areas of weariness we are experiencing today.  Speak into our valleys of weeping and grief.  Strengthen us in increasing measure today.