“Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!”
—Psalm 120:5-7 ESV

To “sojourn,” the Hebrew word “guwr,” is “to live as a resident alien, not as a native-born citizen” (ESV Study Bible footnote).

And this is perhaps the deepest reason we set out on pilgrimage:

We realize that we are not home.

Meshech and Kedar were places outside of Israel. Foreign places.

And thus the one singing this song would be reminded of the journey from exile to the land God had set aside for them.

As we ourselves sing and reflect on these words, we remember: this is not our home.

And so we set out on a pilgrimage to the place of peace. To the place of “shalom”: completeness, soundness, welfare.

To the place of God’s presence.

Here is a simple prayer to carry with you today:

Inhale: God,
Exhale: I’m coming home.