In this sermon on Psalm 84, Guest speaker Bob Claycamp challenges the common societal focus on retirement and earthly rest, instead urging believers to understand life as a pilgrimage toward our heavenly home. Drawing primarily from Psalm 84:5-7, he presents three key points that frame the Christian journey. First, Bob emphasizes that “the foundation for strength is the Lord himself” (v.5). He explains that being “blessed” means experiencing “a state of settled happiness within based upon the reality of the sure promises of God and not necessarily the present circumstances.” Bob illustrates this using the image of the eye of a hurricane—a place of perfect peace amid chaos. He notes that God sometimes allows challenges in our lives specifically so we can experience the depth of His strength, as we would never know how strong He is if we never faced difficulties. Second, Bob explores “the fountain available in the valley of Baca” (v.6), explaining that “Baca” refers to weeping. He emphasizes the word “through” in the passage—these valleys aren’t our destination but places we must pass through with God’s strength. Bob shares numerous Psalm references about tears, including Psalm 56:8 where God puts our tears in His bottle, assuring listeners that God understands grief and works in the midst of our weeping. He encourages parents praying for wayward children to persevere, using the illustration of water crowning at the top of a cup—you never know when your next prayer will be the one that causes breakthrough. Third, Bob discusses “the finish line of Zion” (v.7), focusing on the phrase “strength to strength.” He explains this means God gives grace moment by moment rather than all at once, teaching us to walk with Him step by step. Bob emphasizes that finishing well in our pilgrimage begins with finishing well today—not having a perfect day, but repenting when we fall short. He connects this to Jesus’ words in John 14:1-4 about preparing a place for believers, noting that this heavenly focus should shape how we live each day. Throughout the sermon, Bob weaves in personal examples and practical applications, including his experience driving and struggling with impatience, living in the UK and encountering different dialects, and turning over his church after 29 years of pastoring. He repeatedly returns to the central theme that we are “just passing through” this world, and our hearts should be set on our ultimate destination—being with Jesus. Bob concludes by encouraging listeners to examine whether anything is displacing God in their hearts, reminding them that God “will calm the storm in our heart while He is working on the outward storm.” This is a broadcast of our Sunday Morning Service as we worship and go verse-by-verse through Psalm 84. For more bible resources please visit www.calvarysoton.co.uk