Devotion in The House of God

Topic: Devotion
Passage: Psalms 84:1–12

February 28, 2019

Commentary

In this psalm we have a picture of Heaven and home. Let us see what it has to say to us pilgrims in the world , but heading for home. You no doubt have heard it said, “Home is where the heart is.” The Psalmist longed for God.

The desire of the Psalmist –

  1. Desired to be in God’s presence (v. 1). Not for the Church building but for the Lord.
  2. Desired with his whole person (v. 2). Sought God with whole body, soul and spirit.
  3. Desired with a strong passion (vv. 3,4). True worship involves the pursuit of God.

The declaration of the Psalmist – Those who dwell in the house of the Lord will have:

  1. Strength rendered (v. 5). Spending time with the Lord brings strength to the inner man
  2. Spirit renewed (v. 6,7). With an eager heart, a willing mind, and the Word of God.
  3. Supplication rewarded (v. 8). The closer we get to God the more obvious His answers
  4. Security raised (v. 9). God is our shield. Never again will there be any worries.
  5. Satisfaction realized (v. 11). Grace to travel – help for today and hope for tomorrow.

The decision of the Psalmist –

  1. Choice to go the better way (v. 10). Some are good choices and some are better.
  2. Choice of trusting – not trying (v. 12). Trusting is turning the controls over to Him.

Application

Would you rather spend one day in God’s presence or 1000 days in His absence - Verse 10. I am very thankful that I can experience the Lord’s direction as I meditate on His Word each day.

Psalms 84:1– 12 (NET)

1 How lovely is the place where you live, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies!

2 I desperately want to be in the courts of the Lord’s temple. My heart and my entire being shout for joy to the living God.

3 Even the birds find a home there, and the swallow builds a nest, where she can protect her young near your altars, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God.

4 How blessed are those who live in your temple and praise you continually. (Selah)

5 How blessed are those who find their strength in you, and long to travel the roads that lead to your temple.

6 As they pass through the Baca Valley, he provides a spring for them. The rain even covers it with pools of water.

7 They are sustained as they travel along; each one appears before God in Zion.

8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. (Selah)

9 O God, take notice of our shield. Show concern for your chosen king.

10 Certainly spending just one day in your temple courts is better than spending a thousand elsewhere. I would rather stand at the entrance to the temple of my God than live in the tents of the wicked.

11 For the Lord God is our sovereign protector. The Lord bestows favor and honor; he withholds no good thing from those who have integrity.

12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, how blessed are those who trust in you.