Pilgrimage

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. —Psalm 84:1-5 NIV

Each time I leave the house is hard. It’s not like the work is done. (Let’s be real. Is the laundry ever completely done?) Yet once a month I leave the busy and clutter behind and set my heart on a small Christ-centered pilgrimage.* I’ve been doing this now for over a decade … this stopping mid-stride … this slowing my steps and stilling my soul. It’s a time for God and me to just be together in a special way. Sometimes we meet for a scant three hours, most often for six. Just the two of us. I come with my Sweet Selah Day bag filled with Bible, journal, pen, and books. But I come without a defined plan other than to take a walk, admire God’s beautiful world, and listen to His voice. Even in these current trying times when some of us are confined to our homes and all of us have been told to keep distance from others, we can still meet up close and personal … with God.

Each time I return from a day at the ocean or a day in the quiet of my home with computer off and phone unanswered … I am changed. That’s what pilgrimage does. When you leave your agenda behind and seek His will, life is sweeter and priorities are clarified. I love Sweet Selah Days, and I love my set-apart time with the living God. Just as Psalm 84:5 affirms, my strength is renewed when I set my heart on pilgrimage.

So. How about you, dear one? Does your “heart yearn and your flesh cry out for the living God?” How long has it been since you and your Lord sat together in a long enough stretch of time to still your heart and listen to what He might say? “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Are you ready to be blessed? Are you ready for pilgrimage?

Please consider a journey toward stillness during the month of April by joining our 2020 Sweet Selah Easter Challenge. We have put together ideas for you to take your own Sweet Selah Day this Easter season. We’ve prepared all the help you’ll need, including a sample schedule and tips on getting away even if you have to stay home. All you need to do is say yes and mark the day on your calendar. ** Now, more than ever, we all need to meet with our God with a listening heart and time to hear Him.

This is the challenge: For one day leave the busy behind. Take hold of your Abba-Father’s hand and let Him gently lead you on a journey that’s just for Him … and you. Don’t be afraid. He’s the One who loved you so much He died for you. He’s the One who has counted every beautiful hair on your dear head. He’s the One full of love and mercy for those who turn to Him in humble faith. What could be more important than setting aside a few hours to be with God this Easter season? ***

Oh, Father God, it is so hard to stop. Help us to find the time to be still and know You, our God. Show each one of us uniquely how to meet with You … how to still our racing hearts … how to hear Your Father-voice through Your Word and through Your magnificent creation. Teach us, Lord, how to know You better and love You more! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

You are loved,
Sharon

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing Him
matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

 Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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