Psalm 84
The Joy of God's Presence
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Intro
Psalm 84 is a beautiful expression of the psalmist's longing for God's presence and the joy that comes from dwelling in the house of the Lord. This longing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, who made a way for us to enter God's presence directly.
Section 1: Longing for God's Presence (Verses 1-4)
"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. 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. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah."
Harmony
Jesus fulfills this longing for God's presence, as through Him we have direct access to the Father (John 14:6). Moreover, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers, making us the very dwelling place of God (John 14:16-17, 1 Corinthians 3:16).
Talking Points
The deep longing for God's presence expressed by the psalmist.
The blessing of dwelling in God's house, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The image of being God's dwelling place as illustrated by the New Testament.
Questions
How does the longing expressed in Psalm 84 resonate with our own spiritual longings?
How does Jesus fulfill this deep desire to dwell in God's presence?
How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit change our understanding of "dwelling in God's house"?
Section 2: The Joy of Pilgrimage (Verses 5-7)
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion."
Harmony
The joy of pilgrimage in Psalm 84 can be paralleled with the Christian journey, which involves walking with Christ through trials, finding strength in Him (Philippians 4:13). Moreover, Jesus describes Himself as the way to the Father (John 14:6), indicating that our pilgrimage is towards Him.
Talking Points
The joy and strength found in making a pilgrimage to God's presence.
The trials along the pilgrimage route as a metaphor for our Christian journey.
The reality of Jesus as the endpoint and sustenance of our spiritual pilgrimage.
Questions
How does the pilgrimage depicted in Psalm 84 compare with our spiritual journey with Christ?
How can we find joy and strength in Christ in the midst of trials?
How does Jesus being the 'way' shape our understanding of our spiritual pilgrimage?
Section 3: Trust in the Lord (Verses 8-12)
"O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah. Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! 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. 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. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!"
Harmony
The trust in the Lord expressed in this Psalm is mirrored in the teachings of Jesus, who frequently called His followers to trust in God (John 14:1). The idea of preferring to be a doorkeeper in God's house over dwelling in wickedness reflects the Christian calling to choose righteousness over worldly pursuits (Matthew 6:33).
Talking Points
The psalmist's deep trust in the Lord as a shield and provider.
The value placed on spending even a single day in God's courts, which mirrors the Christian pursuit of eternal life with God through Jesus.
The contrast between choosing to dwell in God's house versus the tents of wickedness.
Questions
How does the trust expressed in Psalm 84 reflect our own trust in God?
How does the psalmist's preference for being in God's presence challenge our priorities and pursuits?
How does Jesus' teachings affirm the message of this Psalm?
Summary
Psalm 84 resonates deeply with the Christian experience of longing for God's presence, finding joy in the spiritual journey towards Him, and placing unwavering trust in Him. This longing for God's presence is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides direct access to God, transforming believers into His dwelling place through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The joy and strength found in the pilgrimage towards God's presence mirrors the Christian journey of walking with Christ, finding sustenance and guidance in Him amidst life's trials. Jesus Himself is the way to the Father, thereby shaping our understanding of the spiritual pilgrimage.
Finally, the psalmist's trust in the Lord, preference for God's presence over worldly pleasures, and reliance on Him for protection and provision, aligns with Jesus' teachings on trust, pursuit of righteousness, and reliance on God. Through Jesus Christ, we can experience the joy of dwelling in God's presence, the strength for our spiritual journey, and the blessing of trusting in God, as beautifully portrayed in Psalm 84.