In some parts of the world the concept of going on a pilgrimage to a shrine or holy place is quite familiar. Unless you count the use of favorite vacation spots or going down the shore, the idea of going somewhere far away for spiritual pursuit is a concept largely lost in our culture.
But…
listen to what happens when people set their heart to tread unfamiliar highways in pursuit of God.
How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.[c]
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.[d]
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
PSALM 84:1-7 NIV
Where do the highways take us?
Although the psalmist was thinking of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, it is interesting to note that the translators adjusted the actual words to the context of going up to Jerusalem. They are more literally translated along the lines of the roads within their hearts.
What lands do these roads pass through? The valley of tears (Baka). What happens when we pursue pilgrimage? Those places become springs that form pools of strength that lead us to more strength.
Where do we end up?
Like the sparrows around the temple building, we find a home with our God. Our pilgrimage delivers us to a place our hearts have sought to go. But, it is still a pilgrimage – a willingness to go somewhere with our Beloved, a cost and energy expended that changes everything.
Some believers, regardless of church, cultural predilection, or geography have their hiking boots on and ‘looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.’ I’ve worn out a few pairs of “shoes” but I’m not giving up. I know where the place of blessing is, and my beloved is there.
Looking for some trail mates who will hear the invitation and will join the triumphal procession as we go up to our blessing and inheritance, changing our tears and those of others, along the way.
If you would like to chat more about it – send me an email!
—George Davis
