May 5th
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.” Psalm 84:5 NKJV
Pilgrimage is a word that is not often heard these days in the Western world. When I think of pilgrimage, I think of people journeying hundreds of miles across treacherous mountain terrain to reach a remote, holy place of worship. While there is some value to such holy journeys, I think the kind of pilgrimage that psalmist was talking about in the above Psalm was a spiritual pilgrimage that takes place in our hearts. Our lives can be considered as spiritual pilgrimages as we strive toward ever increasing “Christ-likeness.”
After God delivered me from sex addiction several years ago, I started out on my spiritual pilgrimage. I’ve been learning each day, little by little, about how to live in the newness of life that God has prepared for me (Romans 6:4). The way has often been challenging to my faith. I’ve had skirmishes with the devil on numerous occasions, but God has been faithful at all times. I have been greatly encouraged to see my ability to control my eyes and thoughts improve each year.
I invite you to take this pilgrimage into the new life with me. The foundational requirement is that you connect with God each day through prayer, reading the Bible and worship. As for the rest of the details, the Holy Spirit will lead you along the way on what to do. I’ve found that the traditional quiet time is the best way to get started on this.
As you set out, I encourage you to also start thinking about what you might do for the Lord when you are free of the sinful struggles that may hold you currently. For example, if you are a sex addict, how will you bring glory to God when he delivers you from your addiction? How will your lifestyle and habits change?
As we walk out our pilgrimage, we can expect challenges along the trail like mudslides of temptation and blinding snowstorms of past memories, but if we continue to stay tuned to God’s word and the Holy Spirit, we won’t get off course.
Questions for further thought:
Take a moment to reflect on the spiritual highlights and pitfalls of your life. When did you feel closest to God? When did you feel furthest from God?
What does it mean to have your heart set on pilgrimage?
What are some of the blessings of pilgrimage with God? (Psalm 103:2-5; Isaiah 26:3)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins. Please forgive me for sinning against you in my life. I commit myself today to a pilgrimage toward purity. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit afresh and create in me a hunger and thirst for your word daily. Please grant me the discipline to give meeting with you top priority each day, no matter what challenges may come my way on the trail. Thank you, Jesus. In your name I pray, Amen.”