Read Psalm 84
What a beautiful psalm of respect for God’s house. At first, I wasn’t sure if the psalmist was referring to the temple in Jerusalem, a tabernacle in the wilderness, our local church, or heaven where God reigns forever in his Kingdom. Where is God’s dwelling place? I don’t think God is contained in a physical location. What are your thoughts about where this lovely place might be?
Suffice it to say that the presence of the LORD is magnificent no matter where we are. As so many other Scripture passages assure us, God is with us and never abandons us. When we allow ourselves to acknowledge God’s supremacy over our lives, we can’t help but worship him with our gratitude and praise. We long for more time dwelling in God’s presence.
If you’re familiar with worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman’s song, Better Than One Day, you now know where his inspiration for the lyrics came from. It doesn’t get much better than imagining ourselves in the courts of God, his palace in the sky. Can you relate to these lyrics? “For my soul longs and even faints for You, for here my heart is satisfied.” God wants us to long for him. The longings of our heart will at last be satisfied in and by the lovely presence of God.
There’s a bit of history that goes along with this psalm as it identifies the descendants of Korah in its dedication. Their story is found in Numbers 16-17. The few who survived found grace by being spared and being assigned to be servants in the sanctuary. The psalmist calls out the gatekeeper, and this psalm is a pilgrimage psalm meaning people would have sung these words on their way to Jerusalem.
We can be gatekeepers to the LORD’s dwelling place, too. We do that when we welcome people into God’s family, inviting them into the presence of God. God’s grace is available for everyone. The psalmist cries, “I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” I agree with the psalmist. It is a great honor to be used by God.
What is your definition of the “good life”? What the psalmist seems to be referencing is a life of sinfulness. When we listen to the lies of the world and watch what might be popular in societies’ eyes, we are falling into the trap of the wicked. Instead, we can focus on Jesus. Like Redman’s lyrics say,
My heart and flesh cry out
For You the living God
Your Spirit’s water to my soul
I’ve tasted and I’ve seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
We know the goodness of God. We’ve experienced it and now want more of it. Reflect on your favorite part of this psalm and how it stirs in you the desire to draw nearer to God.
Let’s pray. LORD, how lovely is your presence, and I long to dwell with you forever. That happily ever after with you starts today, and I do desire to draw nearer to you each moment. Thank you for the journey you’ve brought me on thus far. I know my destination is always you. Help me stand firm against the deceptions around me. Use me to help others draw near to you, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
