Psalm 84:4-5 “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”

There are two words in this scripture that I’d like to look deeper into. First, it says “Blessed are those who dwell in your house.” Dwell means to remain for a time or to live as a resident.* We don’t live in God’s house of worship, but how much time do we spend there? I don’t think this verse is saying we need to spend time sitting in a pew at church. I believe it refers to the time we spend fellowshipping with our Lord. Do we take time to be alone and talk with God? Does our mind drift to Him throughout the day? This is dwelling. Those who do this will be blessed. It is a choice we make.

The end of the verse says, “Who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” Pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place or the course of life on earth.* With either definition, pilgrimage is a forward movement. Pilgrimage is action. We must choose to progress in faith and a relationship with God. It is impossible to be “ever praising” God and be stagnant in your spiritual life. Worshipping God builds faith; faith strengthens you for your journey.

Like an athlete working their muscles over and over again to be strong for competition; we are in training to strengthen our hearts and minds. We become stronger through daily bible study, prayer and worship to reinforce our beliefs. Our lives are a pilgrimage. What we do on that journey is our choice but God has told us how to receive His blessings.

Are you progressing on your spiritual journey? How do you keep moving?