“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob.” (Psalm 84:5-8 KJV)
In Psalm 84, the poet seems to long for more worship events in the house of the Living God. His soul can’t seem to wait for the next worship service. He sees the beauty of God’s holiness. He understands the marvelous nature of worshipping the Living God. He wishes he could be a priest living in the Tabernacle continuously. From his view, those who live and serve in God’s house continue to praise God even when formal worship is not scheduled.
The beauty of holy worship! What a difference our worship would be if we viewed it as beautiful rather than as humdrum routines. Since God “inhabits the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3), even routine aspects of worship take on a beauty and holiness that transcends the physical elements involved. The glory of the Holy One is within them.
The poet’s yearning, however, is not for the physical trappings of worship. Rather, he yearns for the God who is to be worshipped. Oh to worship God! Oh to be in his presence! Oh to experience the Shekinah as God fills his house! Oh the glory of his presence! The physical movements of our worship are empty and unsatisfying if we do not connect with God.
Like this poet of Israel, we would be better off living in a bird’s nest near God’s altar than dwelling in a millionaire’s mansion far from it. Matthew Henry wrote, “It is better to serve God in solitude than to serve sin with a multitude.” That seems to express this poet’s thoughts exactly. He would rather live like a sparrow in God’s house than live in the king’s palace. It is not a comment pointed to wealth, but is an expression of priority.
In whom is our desire? In whom do we trust? Who is our strength? Do we truly consider “one day in his courts better than a thousand” somewhere else (v. 10)? Would we truly rather be the lowest servant in the house of God than live with the wicked (v. 10)?
Our heart is fixed on God, happy and blessed are we. He is our strength, and we get stronger with each step by his side. We may pass through the valley of tears, but we are determined to find the joy of the Lord at the Lord’s house. Because we are confident that he hears our prayers. Our God is our sun and shade. He gives both grace and glory. He withholds nothing from those who walk upright with him. We are blessed because we trust in him.
Dear Father, thank you for the blessings of your strength. Empower us to truly trust you and yearn for your presence. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in your yearnings for God,