Are we there yet?

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.” [Psa 84:5]

We are called to pilgrimage. It speaks of a continual going forth, a going toward. And the psalmist says it is a blessed condition.

A heart set on pilgrimage is not easily contented. It does not rejoice exceedingly when it reaches a particular destination or arrives at a certain milestone. Afterall, the heart is not set on reaching a place, but on the onward journey towards a Person.

How much of my emotional and spiritual dryness is caused by replacing the Person with the place? When reaching personal goals and objectives – even “spiritual” ones - overshadow the inner pursuit of God, we are heading for trouble. Once the temporal excitement and satisfaction that comes with the fulfilling of targets fades, we are left high and dry. Disillusionment, despair, discouragement – perhaps all these are warning signs that the heart is set on the wrong things…

God help us all to set our hearts on pilgrimage towards Someone, not some place.