Journeying with Our Eyes on the Promised Land: Reflections from Sukkot

Brothers and sisters, sometimes I feel like I’ve been running a marathon, and I just can’t see the finish line. The fatigue sets in, the doubts whisper, and I wonder if the effort is even worth it. But then I remember the lessons of the ancient feasts, and I feel a renewed sense of purpose—a deep, abiding peace that reminds me where we’re actually headed.

I was recently listening to a talk about the Feast of Tabernacles, and it really struck me. It’s easy, when we’re knee-deep in the day-to-day hustle of being disciples—whether we’re in the MTC, out on the field, or just trying to keep the ward covenants strong—to forget the destination. We focus so much on the *now* that we lose sight of the *forever*.

The speaker painted such a vivid picture of the symbolism: the Myrtle reminding us of the high places of our joys, the Willows reminding us that even in the dry times, God provides water, and the Palm reminding us that He was with us in the valleys. It’s a beautiful pattern, isn't it? Joy, struggle, provision, and always, always, the promise.

What I took away, and what I wanted to share with my fellow rogue disciples, is that life *is* a journey. We are camping out, waiting for the permanent settlement. We are not home yet. And the central message of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is that God is with us *through* the journey.

The Three Branches: A Reminder of God's Constant Presence

The three branches—Myrtle, Willow, and Palm—aren't just pretty plants; they are spiritual signposts. They are tangible reminders that no matter what season of life we are in, the Lord has been there. Were you in a time of great blessing? God was there. Were you facing a spiritual drought, feeling dry and parched? God provided the water. And when you hit the lowest valley, the deepest struggle? God never left you. He was always there.

“We are all journeying. We are not home.”

This is the core of being an internet missionary, isn't it? We are constantly journeying, sharing the gospel with people who are literally in their own wilderness. We have to keep our eyes fixed on that ultimate destination—the Promised Land, the gathering of Israel, and the eternal life awaiting us with the Lord.

If you’re feeling the weight of the work, or if you’re preparing for your own missionary discussions, I encourage you to pause. Take a moment to look back. Where has the Lord sustained you recently? A difficult conversation? A breakthrough in a Book Club? A quiet moment of revelation in the temple? Those are your 'Myrtles' and 'Palms.' Acknowledge them. Thank Him for carrying you through the 'Willows' of trial.

Keeping Our Eyes on the Promised Land

The final symbol, the fruit, the *etrog* or citron, represents the Promised Land—a place of unending blessing, where there is no lack, no desert, and no dryness. That is our goal. That is the covenant promise we are working toward, and it fuels our discipleship.

This week, as you go about your lives, I invite you to treat every interaction, every study session, and every moment of service as if you are waving those branches to the four corners of the earth. Proclaim, inwardly and outwardly: The Lord is King over all. The Lord is Lord over Heaven and Earth. And He is Lord over *us*.

Let’s keep building our testimonies together. If you’re looking for a place to deepen your understanding of these covenants, I highly recommend diving into the Isaiah Studies in LivingBook. It’s a powerful reminder of the covenants we are keeping right now. For those who are feeling the call to action, consider joining a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week—it’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow disciples who are also journeying.

Keep pressing forward, friends. The joy, the true, enduring celebration, awaits us at the end of the journey, and the Lord promises to be with us every step of the way. He never leaves us.