PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 84
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” (Psalm 84:7)
This song speaks of those who set out on a faith journey to the temple in Jerusalem.
For OT Jews, going to temple for the feasts was a highlight of the year.
We do not have this idea of pilgrimage, no place that we need to go to for our faith.
Jesus has transformed us into God’s temples, so that we can be with God anywhere.
But we still need to set our hearts on being with God.
I do wonder how many christians “yearn, even faint” (v.2) for time alone with God.
How many enjoy times of prayer, as better than a thousand days anywhere else (v.10).
Are you a pilgrim, a God-seeker, making your relationship with God a priority?
Those who do are said to go from strength to strength, that is, to get stronger.
The pursuit of God leads increasingly to an energizing experience of God.
Personally I am feeling closer to and stronger in the Lord than I did the past.
But the faith journey continues, with valleys and challenges along the way.
There are times of strength, but also times when I feel like giving up.
But I refuse to give up; “my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2)
PRAYER
Lord, currently I am in a season of needing the strength promised here. My heart is set on pilgrimage; give the strength to keep going!
Home. Home with God as I journey. I’m assured that “Even the sparrow has found a home”. I have a home no matter where I go – I’ve been comforted by that – God has provided over the years and over the varied situations He has taken me. Yes, while I’m journeying I have a home. Yet, a better place is on the horizon. I long to be home now in the living and as well when the Lord takes me home. There really is no better place to be here, now and in the future. Help me get through the ‘baka’ in life and stay true to the home that calls me!
Pilgrim’s progress.
We are all on a journey in His presence depending on Him for our daily strength and guidance. He is my Protector and I need to walk daily in His SonShine. I need to live for Jesus and walk and talk with Him daily while working in His Creation. He is the wind beneath my wings.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.