A Heart on pilgrimage

Psalm 84:5-7 – 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.

 

Psalm 84 is a pilgrimage psalm (some call it a “psalm of Zion”) sung by worshippers as they travelled to Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Deut. 16:16 mentions three: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). It reflects the longing of God’s people to be in His presence at the temple in Zion. Unlike the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), which were specifically designated as pilgrim songs for going “up” to Jerusalem, Psalm 84 is written by the sons of Korah. It still carries the same spirit of journeying toward God’s presence.

 

Psalms 84 mentions “blessed” three times”, the first is for those whose strength is in God.

 

The Hebrew word “ashrei” (אַשְׁרֵי), often translated as “blessed” in English, carries a very rich meaning that goes beyond a simple blessing. Unlike another Hebrew word baruch (which means “blessed” as in “spoken well of” or “bestowed with favor”), ashrei describes the condition of a person who is in right relationship with God.It speaks of deep joy, fulfilment, and favour—not dependent on circumstances but rooted in God’s presence. The psalmist is describing a life that is enriched, satisfied, and secure because of God.

 

To say “whose strength is in You” means living in total dependence on God rather than relying on our own limited abilities. Human strength may carry us for a while, but it is always finite and can easily fail (Isaiah 40:30–31), while God’s strength is unlimited and ever-present (Psalm 46:1). The psalmist’s imagery reflects the pilgrim journey to Jerusalem, which was physically demanding, yet it also mirrors our spiritual journey of faith toward God’s kingdom. Just as the pilgrim could not reach the temple without divine help, we cannot reach our eternal goal apart from God’s sustaining power. 

 

This truth is reinforced in Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. ”Chariots and horses may symbolize human strength and security, but they are fleeting; only trust in God provides lasting endurance. Those who draw their strength from Him are truly blessed, because they tap into an endless source of renewal—like plugging into a power supply that never runs out, enabling them to keep pressing forward without burning out.

 

This first blessing assures us: those who depend on God’s strength and set their hearts on His ways will find joy, victory, and fulfilment, no matter how difficult the path. While others rely on wealth, connections, or self-reliance, the pilgrim who looks to God finds themselves sustained, carried, and lifted by Him.

 

And the verse tells us that this blessed person who draws strength from the Lord, is set on a pilgrimage. He is therefore a  pilgrim living with a focus. For the psalmist, that focus was Zion—the dwelling place of God. A desire to be in the presence of the Lord from whom all blessings flow. 

How this speaks to us today! We too are called to be pilgrims—men and women whose hearts are set on seeking God daily. Though we know God is always with us, there is a special blessing in setting aside time to meet with Him, to walk intentionally into His presence. This daily pilgrimage—those dedicated moments with our Maker—nourishes our souls, strengthens our faith, and keeps our hearts fixed on the eternal goal.

 

Oh, may such a desire be found in us: that nothing would matter more than drawing near to Him, the source of our strength and the fountain of our joy.

 

Reflection

 

Psalm 84:5 reminds us that the truly blessed person is the one who depends on God’s strength and lives with a heart set on pilgrimage. For the psalmist, that pilgrimage led to Zion—the dwelling place of God, where His presence was most fully experienced. For us today, the journey is not about geography but about desire: the longing to seek God daily, to draw near to Him with intentional devotion. Though God is always with us, there is unique blessing in those dedicated moments when we pause, quiet ourselves, and commune with our Maker. These daily pilgrimages refresh the soul, strengthen our steps, and keep our hearts fixed on eternity.

 

May our lives be marked by this holy longing: that above all else, we yearn to walk with Him, dwell in His presence, and be sustained by His strength.

 

Prayer

 

Lord, set my heart on pilgrimage.

Keep me from relying on my own strength, and teach me to draw from Yours each day.
Give me a deep longing for Your presence, and help me to make time to be alone with You.
May every step I take bring me closer to You, my source of joy, my strength, and my dwelling place. In Jesus’ name, Amen