As we continue to look at prayer in the Book of Psalms, we turn to Psalm 84.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty blessed is the one who trusts in you.
Psalm 84:10-12
Psalm 84 is a well-known psalm in which we hear the psalmist expressing the desire to be in God’s presence in the Jerusalem temple because the Lord is the protector of his people. The psalmist recognizes the Lord’s sovereignty and yearns to be in the safe rest of His sanctuary. It is recognized as a song sung by the Israelites as they traveled to the Temple to worship the Lord, our God. It is believed that the Sons of Korah arranged the song and that it was played during worship, similar to how we sing songs of praise in worship today.
Setting our sights on God leads to blessing. As we draw closer and nearer to God, we become stronger and stronger. When we anticipate and look forward to joyfully worshipping the Lord, we rind spiritual refreshment, even in the direst circumstances
Genuine joy comes through a deep intimacy with God. Worship should draw us nearer to the throne, not keep us at bay, or push us away. We can choose to walk closely with God or keep our distance. If we lack belief, then we fall short of having any relationship with God at all. In our unbelief, we miss out on the blessings offered by the Lord, our God.
We experience the true definition of joy when we remain fully committed to worshipping God and are totally satisfied simply being in His presence. There is no safer place, no better day, than experiencing the presence of God.
God delights in us. He wants us to walk in joy with Him. Will you walk with Him today?
Psalm 84
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
The Devotional Guy™ 