June 25, Go Where God Is

Today’s reading: Psalms 121-125

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem”
- Psalm 122:1-2.

This psalm is one of a collection or series known as the psalms of ascent (Psalms 120-134). Many believe these psalms were recited by pilgrims while they made their way to Jerusalem as the Lord had commanded them to do three times every year. God did not seem to mind putting the people through the rigors of travel in order to engage His presence in Jerusalem. Even today, when the Lord wants to speak to His people, He often has them go on a trip, for then they are out of their comfort zone and more aware of their environment and His voice. Jesus was with His disciples in Jerusalem but then directed them to go north to Galilee, even though He could have spoken to them in Jerusalem: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said . . .” (Matthew 28:16-18a). Has God put it on your heart to go somewhere where God promised that He will meet you? Are you trying to talk yourself out of going? Are you thinking that what He has to say to you He can say where you are right now, so you don’t have to go?