The Journey OR The Easy Chair

REFERENCE: Psalm 84:5-7 (NIV) Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools of blessings. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Observation: Too often our hearts are not set on “pilgrimage”"the journey, they are set on being done with the journey. They are set on being at the destination rather than moving along the path. In our walk with God we are always on a journey. We never arrive nor should we expect to. Unfortunately, that can make some frustrated and make them sit down in the middle of the trip and refuse to move. In fact, many Christians are like that. Not only is their heart not set on pilgrimage, they have decided to camp out permanently regardless of what God may be asking them to do. They refuse to change, to face new challenges or go new place with God. How very sad it is and how much they are missing out of the Lord’s blessings.

Only those whose hearts are in the journey will find the refreshing God offers or know the wonder of receiving strength from Him.

Application/Confession: Many times I want to quit pursuing the calling God has on my life. It is just too hard. It (He) asks too much of me. It is at those times that I need a heart check. What I want to do is to find a spiritual easy chair and settle back for the rest of my life. I can’t do that. My heart must be set on the path God has placed me on. I need to remember that this will be the place of greatest blessing.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please set my heart on pilgrimage. Help me to rejoice in the journey, even when it is hard. Help me to look for the refreshing You offer if I will just see it.