As we approach the close of another year, many of us are already thinking about what lies ahead. January often invites talk of fresh starts, resolutions, and renewed hope, yet by February we’re frustrated! Here’s help: the Christian faith has always offered a deeper, steadier vision of how lives are truly shaped. Eugene Peterson defines it as a “long obedience in the same direction.” 

Peterson describes the “long obedience” as the difference between tourists and pilgrims. Tourists visit interesting places when time allows. They sample what is appealing, move quickly, and then move on. Pilgrims, on the other hand, are going somewhere. Their journey has direction, purpose, and endurance. Peterson observed that while it is not difficult to spark interest in the gospel, it is far more challenging to sustain that interest over time. Our culture has a strong appetite for spiritual experiences, but far less patience for the slow, faithful formation of character—what earlier generations simply called holiness. 

Peterson believed Christianity was never meant to be lived as a series of “spiritual stopovers.” We are not tourists of faith; we are disciples and pilgrims. We spend our lives moving toward God, walking the way of Jesus Christ, step by step. Along that journey, Peterson discovered what he called a “dog-eared songbook” tucked away in the Psalms—the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134). These psalms were likely sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they traveled together toward Jerusalem for the great festivals of worship. Peterson described them as some of the best “songs for the road,” helping God’s people remember who they are, where they are going, and how God shapes them along the way. 

What is especially striking is how closely this biblical vision of pilgrimage aligns with what current research is discovering about human flourishing. In a global study of over 200,000 people across 22 nations, those who attend religious services weekly consistently report higher life satisfaction, better mental and physical health, deeper relationships, a stronger sense of purpose, and greater overall flourishing. In other words, steady participation in worship and community—faith practiced over time—matters deeply. 

A recent Christianity Today article highlighted research from Barna, Harvard, and Gloo that identifies seven interconnected dimensions of human flourishing: spiritual vitality, relationships, finances, purpose, mental and physical health, character, and contentment. Flourishing, they suggest, is not merely about feeling happy or successful; it is about living a well-ordered, integrated life. Faith shapes daily decisions. Community nurtures resilience. Purpose gives meaning to our work and rest. Character forms how we engage the world. Contentment grows as we learn, like the apostle Paul, to trust God in every circumstance. 

As we begin a new year, we will launch a new message series on January 4 titled “A Long Obedience: Small Steps Toward a Flourishing Life.” Using the Psalms of Ascents as our guide, this series will explore how God forms His people through small, faithful steps over time. We will focus on simple, Spirit-led habits—prayer, worship, service, rest, and community—that shape lives marked by depth, resilience, and hope. 

In a world that prizes speed, efficiency, and instant results, this series invites us to slow down and commit ourselves anew to the steady path of discipleship. God rarely works through shortcuts. Instead, He forms His people through consistent obedience, practiced quietly and faithfully, day after day.  

Here’s some “homework” between Christmas and the New Year: slowly read and pray through the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120–134) as a way of preparing your heart for the journey ahead and our new series beginning January 4. 

My hope is that as we walk this pilgrimage together, we will discover once again that the long road of faith is also the road that leads to life—abundant, grounded, and truly flourishing. 

Grace and peace,