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. Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.

As we live in a state of mountains, it is fun to get out in the country and hike and make it to summit peaks. The view from up top is incredible. But many times, the path to get there through the valleys, the cutbacks, the thick brush or steep terrain — this is the tough part.

What stands out to me in this passage right away is this part: “they will go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” I see this as going from mountain peak to mountain peak. The focus is on the peak of the mountain, not on the valley below. They remember the last peak they had attained and they push on to the next one. They remember the last way God came through for them, and focus on his future provision in the valley. They look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith and he guides and helps them to the peaks of spiritual glory in life.

I also really relate to my heart being set on pilgrimage. Pilgrims have a destination in mind, typically they have saved up a lot of money and are in an all-out mindset to reach a religious site. I love this application to my heart. My heart needs to be always steering for heaven and bringing as many with me as I can. God’s work is a saving grace in this world, so my heart needs to focus on his work.

Lord, I truly am on pilgrimage with you, going strength to strength, peak to peak until I reach my final destination — heaven. You have prepared the way, and you sent your Holy Spirit to walk with and guide me. I am so excited to see where this spiritual adventure takes me! Lots of JOY, no doubt, will be found along the way!