Pilgrims and Strangers in This World

Scripture: Psalm 84:5–7, NIV

“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. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”
Because we live in a temporary, perishing world, we need to constantly remind ourselves we are on a pilgrimage here. We are blessed to realize our sufficiency is in God alone, and that all we need is sourced in him.
Most of us find ourselves in the Valley of Baca from time to time. That is a place of drought or need. It is then we find our provision in the Lord himself as we allow him to teach us. Many times these “valleys” can be places of blessing where we can experience revelation from God and sense his presence.
Of the heroes of faith it is said, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:13, NIV)
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14, NIV)
With this viewpoint we can go from “strength to strength,” knowing our goal is to ultimately appear before our God at the end of our journey.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NIV)
Today, ask yourself:

Do I view myself as a pilgrim who is passing through this world? Am I listening to and applying the messages God is giving to me?
Pray:

Lord, help me to listen to your voice. Enable me to receive and apply your teaching. Continue to mold me and make me more Christlike as I respond to life’s experiences.