Psalm 84
Sunday, 07 January 2024
“… my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” –Psalm 84:2
Psalm 84 is an intense expression of one who has experienced the presence of the LORD and is most satisfied in Him. The key verse itself gives us the sense of yearning that is satiated only in the living God! There is nothing more gratifying than spending time in the Lord’s presence than the wasted time spent in worldly pursuit—Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;” (V.10).
The Psalm speaks of three blessedness in the Lord that we can meditate on under the following titles:
· Presence
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (V.4)
Dwelling in God’s house is equivalent to experiencing His continual presence in our lives. Its allowing Him to dwell in you through His Spirit. A person who invites Jesus Christ into his life is born-again of the Spirit (cf. John 3:5-6) and God makes His dwelling in him. Thus as believer enjoys the Lord’s presence throughout his life as he worships the Lord, continually offering praise. The word “dwell” gives us an idea of permanence. The constant presence of the Lord in one’s life provides him joy no matter the circumstance.
· Pilgrimage
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (V.5)
Life’s journey on earth is a pilgrimage for every believer. There are experiences like the Valley of Baca (Weeping), yet the Lord is able to make them into a place with springs- where one is refreshed. The Lord Jesus bore our sin and our sorrows on Himself that we might trade them for the joy and peace of the Lord! Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5). Thus a believer draws constant strength from the Lord (from strength to strength-V.7) on his pilgrimage on earth while waiting with blessed hope of dwelling with Him in heaven.
· Peace
“… blessed is the one who trusts in you.” (V.12)
As with the Psalmist, the believer can call out to the Lord in prayer any time, knowing He will listen. The term “God of Jacob” (V. 8) reminds us of a covenant-keeping God. The Psalmist is happy to be in the service of the Lord in His temple than “dwell in the tents of the wicked” (V.10). There may be feasting and all the fleeting pleasures of the world out there, but he is content to serve him even as a doorkeeper of the house of God. Besides he is assured that no good thing will the Lord withhold from those whose walk blamelessly before Him (V.11). With such assurances comes a state of peace! That tranquil state comes from a firm trust in God! In the midst of the turbulences around us, they that trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved… (Psalm 125:1).
Where are we at this point of life? It’s better to examine ourselves to see where our satisfaction comes from. The temporary pursuits of life, whether it be ambitious plans to prosper and make it big in this life or just passing day after day, living it in enjoyment and pleasure—nothing can satisfy except finding your home in God. The pursuit of the living God and His purposes for you His creation is what can fill the yearning of every single soul on earth. The turbulent world we live in, may we find satisfaction in the living God and draw strength from Him and be filled with His peace!
Thought for the Day: GOD is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. ~John Piper
Listen: 'Better is one day'