Psalm 84:1-12
(1) To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! (2) My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. (3) Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. (4) Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. (5) Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. (6) Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. (7) They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. (8) O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. (9) Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. (10) For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. (11) For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (12) O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
This Psalm is packed with good things. It should be read not just once, but several times. Verse 11 is a real jewel and it would be well to memorize it so that, having it in your heart, it can be meditated on so that it may be a blessing over and over again.
In these days when so many people desire a position and place of prominence in the Lord’s work, a real lesson may be learned from Verse 10. Notice the contrast – one day in God’s presence is to be preferred over a thousand days elsewhere. The humble position of doorkeeper in the house of the Lord is to be preferred above dwelling in the pretentious tents of the wicked. Christians who analyze their own situation on the basis of financial or material prosperity are making a dangerous mistake. Down through the centuries, more Christians have been harmed by riches than ever have been harmed by poverty. Riches have a tendency to puff one up and lessen our dependence upon God. It is a good thing for every believer to regularly examine his priorities, his heart’s desires.
It is important to note in verse two that the proper attitude of God’s children is one of longing for His presence and crying out for that wonderful fellowship which every believer can and should be enjoying, every moment, with the living God. He will not hold the longing believer at arms’ length. We must be continually on guard against the fleshly tendency to long for material benefits rather than spiritual blessings.
Note also verse 4. Those who dwell in fellowship with God are truly blessed. Such believers will be continually filled with praise to God. Are we praising God continually? Or, is our voice more often heard in complaint than in praise? If so, the reason certainly must be that instead of living close to the Lord we are following afar off; instead of seeking His glory we are seeking our own satisfaction.
Verses 6 and 7 remind us of the fact that if we go in the strength of the Lord, the valley of weeping will become a rain-filled pool which can bless the hearts of others. What a need there is today for rejoicing Christians!
Do you want to be truly happy today, fellow believer? Then verse 12 gives the simple answer, “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” May God help us to keep our priorities straight. Those whose hearts are filled with His presence will find that their lips will be filled with His praise.
One Response
Thank you Dr. Crabb for your investment in of time and thoughts. This was a great lunch time reminder of the danger of thinking too high or too low of ourselves based on a our earthly salary and privileges.
Peter Ferris..just moved to Florida