intohispresence

For thousands of years humanity has walked the earth… each of us pursuing an effortless stroll through the summer-blown green grass, or demanding ourselves the most rigorous climb. But our very first breath reveals that irresistible urge to wander with no destination in sight. As we drift from one day or season and into the next, any gust of wind from just the right direction at our intricately planned steps can push us off totally off course. Our relationships, life’s rejections, and the status of the world, cause us to lose sight of where we’re going. In fact, that merciful wind may just reveal the extent of our lostness-- all of us, wanderers called to pilgrimage
This is how the People of God, the Israelites felt during their time of exile in Babylon. They were taken away from their families, removed from their homes, and displaced from their land. Everything felt upside down, unpredictable, and uncertain. But God, in His gracious sovereignty, calls His People into His presence.
As the Israelites traveled, with dedication and purpose from exile to their sacred land, they wrote forever songs that brought them up the mountain and into the presence of their Mighty God. And today, what a blessing those Psalms of Ascent are from our Old Testament brothers and sisters to us! When we fix our eyes on the One who is our true destination, our aimless walking and striving ceases. We are no longer wanderers, but pilgrims. From despair to praise, we walk every day Into His Presence.
This summer, we invite you to join us at Olivet, as we study Psalms 120-134, in our new series, Into His Presence!