Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. 

Psalm 84: 5-7

Nestled in the middle of the Psalms are three verses that describe the blessed life of a believer. The psalmist begins by describing a believer’s heart. Blessed are those….who have set their hearts on pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5). In other words, blessed are those who have a longing in their souls and a determination in their minds to journey through life with Jesus. 

None of us are born with this longing to follow Jesus. Ephesians 2 says all are born with a desire to follow the ways of the world and its ruler. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4). God Himself awakens within each of us the desire to know Jesus. This act of God’s grace starts the heart of every believer beating for Jesus. 

God then sets our hearts on pilgrimage. He awakens the desire to follow Jesus. As we follow Jesus and fellowship with Him through prayer and Bible study, He strengthens us. 

Journeying through life with Jesus does not shelter us from life’s deserts. But believers don’t travel through deserts alone. Jesus, the Living Water, becomes that which we need—not to just survive but to thrive! In fact, God uses the desert journeys to strengthen our knowledge of Him and faith in Him. By walking closely with Jesus, we go from strength to strength in this life, until that day comes when we each appear before God.  

Have you experienced this blessed life? Is your heart set on pilgrimage with Jesus?

Lord, awaken the hearts of those who need to know you. Give them a desire to follow you, that they may experience unsurpassable love, strength, joy, and hope. 

Jan Burkhart