Psalm 84

Read Psalm 84

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” The sons of Korah, like Asaph, were associated with the worship of the Lord in the days of King David and beyond. Their love for God and for divine worship was expressed in songs of praise that Israel would sing for many generations.

God's temple, built by David's son, was the place where the Lord would dwell with Israel. The devout would rightly long for everything associated with that holy place. Their affection for the temple was an expression of their sincere dedication to “the living God.”

Even the birds were blessed to be able to have their nests where the God of Israel met with His chosen people. What a great privilege for people created in God's image to be able to sing His praise according to the direction of the king! “Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!”

Those who found their strength in Israel's God found power for living. They had a highway to Mount Zion in their hearts. Though they might even be far away from Jerusalem, they were able to receive spiritual nourishment as they suffered in “the Valley of Baca,” a dry and weary land. They were able to make the desert into “a place of springs.” With the refreshment that came to them in their praise of Almighty God they went “from strength to strength.” Though they might live very far from the Lord's sanctuary, “each one appears before God in Zion.”

The sons of Korah and all the devout from the twelve tribes of Israel longed for this holy experience of sincere worship. They waited for the Lord to hear their prayers. Because they were aware of their failings, they called upon God's “Anointed,” which means “Christ,” to be their shield. They asked God not to see them, but to “look on the face of Your Anointed.”

Because the Christ has come, true worshipers from all over the world are now singing this song from the sons of Korah. They have become a part of the living temple of the Holy Spirit. They have seen the riches of Christ as greater gain than all that they could ever have in “the tents of wickedness.” Jesus has become their all in all, and they are convinced that He will give them the solid joys and lasting treasures of the Jerusalem that is above.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Our Father, we long to be with You. We rejoice in the opportunity to be together in worship even in this age, but we especially look forward to the age to come. We long for a day in Your courts above. Help us, O Lord. You have blessed us, and we trust in You.