The journey to His Presence

 

I recall my childhood when my family used to have an annual camping trip to the Pocono Mountains. We would go with friends and other families from our church. It was about a five-hour journey by car. This was long before cell phones and GPS, so we relied on maps and directions passed on by word of mouth.

I vividly remember the first time our friends agreed to join us on the trip. My father wrote out detailed directions that went something like this: "Once you pass a large yellow SUNOCO station on the left, you take a right turn. You drive about 10 miles down this road, and when you see a big red brick church, you take a left turn... then, three traffic lights later... and so on."

Unlike the luxury of GPS, you had to pay attention to your surroundings and landmarks to find your way.

This is how I feel when I navigate the pages of scriptures. I visualize a detailed map where every landmark holds significance for those seeking God.

The Psalmist skillfully guides us through the landmarks on the path to God’s presence: 

"Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road that leads to you" (Psalm 84:5, GWT). 

"Passing through the valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs; yea, the early rain covers it with blessings" (Psalm 84:6). 

The journey to experiencing God’s presence includes a valley of weeping, a place of immense sadness and brokenness. However, in this valley, God turns weeping into a blessing. Travelers discover a transforming landscape where sorrow and brokenness give way to blessings and renewal. The traveler unexpectedly discovers springs of water that refresh the soul.

The psalmist then marks the traveler's final destination: 

"They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God" (Psalm 84:7).

The Psalmist paints a beautiful picture of the traveler's journey towards their ultimate destination: "They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God." This represents the concept of making progress and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to the profound moment when each individual has a divine encounter with their creator.