Psalm 84 gives us a revelation of how to thrive in the days ahead regardless of what world leaders do; regardless of what the stock market does; regardless of what decisions the Supreme Court may make. This Psalm opens with a passion for the Presence of God. The people who will thrive in the days ahead are those Resting in God, Relying on His Strength, and Reaping the benefits of walking uprightly with Him. This message brings assurance and inspiration to those who are living for God and trusting in Him. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly with Him.
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OUTLINE
Intro
- How do we position ourselves for the days ahead?
- Text: Psalm 84
- Three Sections: “Selah” marks the transitions.
I. Resting in the Presence of God (vs 1-4)
- Vs 1 “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!”
What is the attraction? Interacting with His PRESENCE.
- Vs 2 “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.”
Intensity of DESIRE.
- Vs 3 “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where
she may have her young–a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King
and my God.”
Place of safety & rest. - Vs 4 “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah.”
Dwelling not just visiting.
II. Relying on the Strength of God (vs 5-8)
- Vs 5 “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”
Know where they’re going and why they’re going there.
Not relying on own strength. - Vs 6 “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the
autumn rains also cover it with pools.”
Amplified Bible: “Valley of Weeping”
Transform a wilderness into “a place of springs.” - Vs 7 “They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”
- Vs 8 “Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah”
III. Reaping the Rewards of God (vs 9-12)
- Vs 9 “Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.”
Christ = the Anointed One. God looks on favor toward us because we are “in Christ.” - Vs 10 “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.”
Better a lowly place with God than comfort and luxury in the world. - Vs 11 “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.”
Bottom Line: He will take care of you if you walk uprightly with Him.
- Vs 12 “O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.”
Rely on, rest in, trust God and you will be just fine!
QUESTIONS ON PS 84
- What assurances do you get from God as you read this Psalm?
- Do you have a yearning desire for more of God? Do you gather with believers to meet with God?
- Have you passed through a Valley of Weeping during your journey with God? Did God help you turn the wilderness into a place of refreshing springs? How did that happen for you?
- Do you feel like you’re progressing “from strength to strength” by the grace of God?
- Would you rather take a lowly place (doorkeeper) with God than have luxury and comfort outside His will? Have you been faced with those kind of choices in your life journey?
- Are you encouraged by God’s promise in verse 11, “no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless”? What is your understanding of how that works?
- Are you trusting God with your future? Have you experienced peace as a result?
